Red Velvet Chocolate Coconut Muffins

Beets are highly nutritious and can help lower cholesterol

These are dense and moist muffins I enjoy for breakfast, snacks and dessert. 

Health benefits 
Satisfy your chocolate cravings with beets, a highly nutritious and "cardiovascular health" friendly root vegetable. Certain unique pigment antioxidants in the root, as well in its top greens, offer protection against coronary artery disease and stroke; lower cholesterol levels and have anti-aging effects.

Makes 12 regular sized muffins

Preparation (175 calories per serving)

1 cup roasted beets roasted beets, shredded (about 3 beets) - One hour at 375 degrees in aluminum foil drizzled with olive oil or canola oil. Wrap tight. After roasting, cool with water, drain water, peel skins put in a bowl and use a potato masher to smooth out the lumps.

Wet - combine all wet ingredients in a medium-sized bowl

1/2 cup coconut oil

2 flax seed eggs (2 tbsp of flaxseed, 6 tbs of water)

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Dry - combine all dry ingredients in a large-sized bowl

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1 cup dried, unsweetened coconut  

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

Preheat to 350F 

Add wet mixture and blend. Spoon batter into muffin tin and fill each cup to the top. Optional: Sprinkle with more dried coconut on top. Bake for 35 minutes.

Nutrition (per muffin)
Calories: 175
Total Fat: 13.2 g
     Sat. Fat: 10 g
Sodium: 11.6 mg
Carbohydrates: 14.2 g
     Fiber: 2.5 g
     Sugars: 5.2 g
Protein: 2 g

Referece: LoseIt

Vegan humor

How do you spot the vegan at a dinner party? Don't worry, he'll let you know.