Ok, so you all know I love me some chocolate chips.  In our house, we keep a bag of Enjoy Life brand chips in the fridge to easily grab a few we anyone needs a bit of a chocolate fix. Adding the chocolate to these nutrient-dense muffins was just what they needed to become even more delicious.

I love pumpkin in ALL my recipes this time of year – yes, I even head to Starbucks once in a while and get the PSL (pumpkin spice latte).  On November 1st, I always end up having a ton of mini pumpkins leftover from Halloween, and I like to come up with creative ways to use them in my meals. My two favorites have been my pumpkin stuffing (recipe post coming soon) and these muffins.  If you don’t know how to roast a pumpkin, check out my post here, or use the canned kind – I seem to hoard this a lot too this time of year.  🙂

I should also note that I usually make my own gluten-free/corn-free flour mixes, but recently I stumbled across this gem at none other than Target.  This versatile flour blend is very close to the blend I make at home and is really easy to work with.  Find it here.  

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

October 23, 2020

Servings: 16

Prep: 5 min

Cook: 25 min

Total: 30 min

Print This

By: Jenny Kling, RD

Ingredients

• 2 C of gluten-free flour mix OR
• 1 C oat flour
• 1/2 C millet flour
• 1/2 C potato starch
• 1/2 tsp xanthan gum (omit if your mix contains)
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 C of canned or purée and roasted pumpkin
• 1/2 C of maple syrup
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 C oat milk
• 1/2 C chocolate chips

Directions

• Step 1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Step 2 Mix together pumpkin, maple syrup, and eggs until well blended.
• Step 3 Add gluten free flour mixture, xanthan gum (if needed), baking soda and salt to mixture.
• Step 4 While mixing, slowly add oat milk until well blended.
• Step 5 Transfer batter into lined muffin pan.
• Step 6 Bake 20 – 25 M.
• Step 7 Transfer

What makes this pudding green?

What makes this pudding the beautiful green color, you may ask?  Well TBH, it’s cyanobacteria.  Yeah, that’s right, Spirulina, to be exact.  This cyanobacterium is a type of algae that has been used throughout history for its health properties.  One tablespoon is an excellent source of protein, vitamins like B1, B2, B3, and minerals like copper and iron.

Spirulina can be used as an alternative treatment for allergic rhinitis (inflammation in your nasal passageways) and can help reduce the symptoms of nasal discharge, congestion, and sneezing.

The antitoxic properties of Spirulina can help in counteracting common pollutants in the body like – arsenic, fluoride, iron, lead, and mercury.

It has also been shown to support cardiovascular health by improving your blood pressure and “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as boasts anti-cancer properties.

It may also help improve your gut health.  Animal studies indicate Spirulina can help support a healthy gut microbiome as you age.  And with the added fiber with from the Chia Seeds, it’s safe to say this is a pro-gut health dessert!

It is crucial to purchase a high-quality, organic version of Spirulina for maximum health benefits and to research the company that produces the Spirulina to make sure there aren’t any contaminants.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are high in fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats and mild in flavor, which makes them a great ingredient to use for pudding.  You can use them blenderized or in natural form for this recipe.  It will only change the smoothness and texture, but they will still solidify and make a pudding-like consistency.  It’s amazing how versatile this little seed is.

Health benefits of copper

Copper is a very OVERLOOKED mineral -in my opinion, and just 17g of spirulina (or 1 TBS) can meet your daily RDA need. Here are just a FEW of the things that copper helps your body do:
1. Copper helps your body eliminate excess histamine: Histamine intolerance can be mistakenly diagnosed and is more common than you think. Histamine intolerance has been linked to symptoms like acid reflux, poor digestion, and anxiety. Copper helps your body eliminate histamine and could help prevent or treat its harmful symptoms.
2. Copper Helps strengthen collagen: Collagen is essential for bone and skin health. Copper works with Vitamin C to help strengthen bones and improve your skin. Copper and Vitamin C also work together to promote thyroid and adrenal health.
3. Copper helps us make platelets (vital for blood clotting and immune health) and allows our bodies to use iron efficiently.
4. Copper can help with mental health by helping our bodies regulate serotonin and help us produce dopamine.
Given all the health properties and benefits of this pudding – and that it also tastes delicious – this recipe is worth a try!

Let me know what you think?!

Ingredients

1  tsp of organic Spirulina powder

3 1/2 TBS Chia Seeds

1 tsp Vanilla

2 1/2 TBS Maple Syrup

12 oz Dairy-Free Milk (my favorite brand here)

Optional toppings: white or dark chocolate chips (my favorite brand here)

Source: Chris Masterjohn, PHD: Vitamins & Minerals 101

Green Chia Pudding - Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free

June 19, 2020

Servings: 6 servings

Difficulty: Easy

Print This

By: Jenny Kling, RD

Ingredients

• 1 tsp Spirulinia
• 3 1/2 TBS Chia Seeds
• 12 oz Milk
• 1 tsp of vanilla
• 2 1/2 TBS Maple Syrup

Directions

• Step 1 Combine all ingredients into a food process or blender.
• Step 2 Add chia seeds last to mixture for better processing.
• Step 3 Blenderize on med/high until all ingredients are well combined.
• Step 4 Transfer to a bowl or dish and refridgerate for aprox 2 – 4 hours to set.
• Step 5 Serve chilled. Garnish with with white or dark chocolate.