Spiced Carrot and Orange Muffins

Carrots contain beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. Vitamin A has many eye health benefits. Oranges are high in vitamin C, which may reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. The recipe below yields 12 delicious muffins - a healthy grab-and-go breakfast!

INGREDIENTS

1. 1/2 orange, with peel on

2. 3/4 cup orange juice

3. 1/2 cup butter, melted

4. 2 eggs

5. 1 teaspoon vanilla

6. 1 cup grated carrots

7. 2 cups flour

8. 1/2 cup brown sugar (plus an extra 1/4 cup if you like your muffins sweeter)

9. 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

10. 1 teaspoon ground ginger

11. 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

12. 1 teaspoon baking powder

13. 1 teaspoon baking soda

14. 1/2 cup raisins

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a blender, add the orange half and orange juice and blend until smooth. Add melted butter and blend, then add eggs and vanilla and blend again until smooth. Pour into a medium-size bowl. Add grated carrots and stir until combined. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, stir together the dry ingredients: flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and raisins. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until just moistened.

3. Line a muffin tray with liners (or grease instead) and scoop a heaping spoonful of batter into each liner.

4. Bake at 400 degrees F for 17-20 minutes.