Savory Spinach Mini Muffins

When I'm baking the first question my husband asks is "sweet or salty?" with his breath held, hoping i'll say salty.  He is much more of a savory person than I am, although he does enjoy the occasional sweet.  I decided to create a savory muffin recipe (and use up the excess spinach I had monopolizing my crisper drawer).  The result was wonderful...a healthy and delicious muffin all of us loved. 

Savory Spinach Mini Muffins - 12 Months +

Ingredients:

2 cups baby spinach (washed & chopped) 

1/2 a RIPE avocado

1 1/2 cups plain kefir
1 egg

1 tbsp raw honey

1/2 tsp garam masala or cinnamon

1 3/4 cup flour

1/4 cup ground flax seed

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 cup fresh mozzarella

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (f).  In either a food processor or blender puree the spinach, avocado, kefir, egg, honey, and spice, set aside.  In a large bowl whisk together flour, flax, salt, powder and soda until well combined (If you have have whole flax seed you can grind it in a food processor or blender and store in the fridge like I do).  Add the wet mixture to the dry and stir just until combined.  If the batter appears too thick you can thin it out with a little more kefir.  Lightly oil or line mini muffin tins.  I used spray olive oil and wiped the excess off.  Fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full.  I like to fill mine almost full to get big puffy tops.  Slice the fresh mozzarella into small thin slices and place one on top of each muffin firmly.  Bake in the oven for about 15-20 minutes.  Allow to cool on a rack (this prevents soggy muffins).  Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up 3-4 days.  Makes 24 mini muffins.

note: If you don't have fresh mozzarella top each muffin with a sprinkle of any shredded cheese.  Garam masala is an Indian spice mix containing cardamon, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, coriander and black pepper but simple cinnamon will work fine in this recipe.  Omit the honey and this recipe is 9 Months+.

Some of the Awesome Health Benefits:

-Spinach is packed full of iron and dietary fiber.  Plus it's loaded with vitamins and minerals. 

-Avocados are a wonderful "good fat" food for brain and physical development. They contain valuable nutrients including folate, fiber, potassium, vitamin E; and iron.