Star Muffins

During a trip to Hobby Lobby a few weeks ago I picked up some super cute cupcake liners for the patriotic season.  I am not that big of a fan of cupcakes though, we much prefer muffins!  I try to make the muffins as healthy as possible so i'm always looking for good recipes.

This time I had bananas and apples that needed to be used up.  I'm so glad I did because that led me to finding a great new muffin recipe!

I adapted the recipe slightly but if you're interested the original recipe can be found here.

Star Muffins

Ingredients:

1 C whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

6Tbsp coconut oil
1/3 C agave syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 mashed bananas
1 apple - cored and diced

Optional Frosting
2 oz cream cheese softened
2 Tbsp agave syrup

Mix all the dry ingredients.

Add the oil, syrup, vanilla and mashed banana.  

Beat until the mixture is smooth.  Stir in the apple.  

Fill your muffin tin or liners and bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes.  

While the muffins are cooling prepare the optional frosting. 

 Once the muffins are completely cool, add the cream cheese frosting and enjoy!
I added some red sugar to the frosting hoping it would make it red, but instead it's a bit pink.  I just sprinkled the red sugar then to at least get a bit of red on the tops!  

These were great for breakfast!  

We actually think there's no need for the frosting they are packed with flavor and sweetness without the frosting! 

I've added these Star Muffins to the Patriotic Link-Up Party I'm doing with suzyhomemaker!  

Be sure to stop by and check out all the link-ups! 

Mayo Free Avocado Macaroni Salad

Have you ever created a recipe that you just couldn't wait to share?  This is one of those!

I absolutely love macaroni and/or potato salad, but I know they are not healthiest choices, so I don't make them often...that was until I saw avocado mayo on Pinterest!  At first I thought oh that's a neat idea...then it hit me!!!!  I can make a macaroni salad using avocado may...and so I did!

Mayo Free Avocado Macaroni Salad

Ingredients

1/3 C + 1 Tbsp Avocado Mayo
1 carrot
1 yellow pepper (any color)
3 scallions
3 stalks celery
1/4 box elbow macaroni - prepared and chilled
1-2 tsp mustard powder
shake of paprika

(Be sure to have your elbow macaroni prepared and chilled before putting all the ingredients together.  I made my macaroni in the morning so it would be chilled by lunch.)

First prepare the avocado mayo.  I used a recipe from Rachel at The Traveling Spoon.  This was so simple.  I used my food processor and it just whipped right up into a creamy mayo substitute! 

I used a Bell Freezer Jar since I was planning to freeze what I didn't need.  

Next throw all your vegetables into the food processor - no need to rinse the "bowl," 

I love recipes that I can use one dish to prepare! 

Now is when it all comes together.  Mix the avocado mayo, vegetables and macaroni together.  I started with 1/3C of the avocado mayo but then thought it needed a little bit more.  I would recommend starting with 1/3C, then adding more depending on how you like your macaroni salad.  Add the mustard powder...this again, is based on your flavor preference.  

Shake a little paprika on top and serve! It was amazing!  I was hoping it would be good, but it was better than I could have imagined! 

Has anyone tried making potato salad with avocado mayo? 

Don't forget to check out the Patriotic Link-up Party!  

Some wonderful bloggers have already shared their ways of honoring soldiers and our Nation!  

I can't wait to see what you have to share! 

Check out who I'm linking up with on the sidebar!