Lemon Raspberry Muffins

 Nothing beats a fresh muffin on a lazy weekend morning.  I created these today, and my oh my, they are delish!!  Before you think I am getting a bit carried away prunes....let me explain the baking science behind using them.  When cooking gluten free and egg free, you need to do things to help bind in place of eggs (banana, flax seed, chia seed, applesauce, prunes, etc).  Prunes do this.  It also adds lots of tender moisture without the fat so you you don't have a crumbly, dry, "Oh lord get me a glass of water just to get this down!" baked good.  No one wants a chalky texture..yuck!  And any gluten free baker knows, it certainly DOES happen!!  To keep them low-fat and tender,  I used applesauce and prunes in this recipe!  You won't be disappointed, these are great and full of fresh summer flavor!



1 cup brown rice flour
3/4 cup teff flour (or more 1/2 cup more brown rice flour)
1/2 cup tapioca flour
1/2 cup palm sugar or other granulated sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon guar gum
(You can replace the gum and flours with 2 cup whole wheat pastry flour)
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon lemon extract (optional, but it heightens the lemon flavor)
Zest of one lemon (use a Microplane!)
Squeeze of fresh lemon (optional)
1 1/2 cup applesauce (Costco sells Organic Tree Top now, 4 large jars)
3 oz pureed prunes (I used one jar of baby food)
1/4 cup canola oil or other oil of choice
2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries ( I was running a bit low when I made these, so mine are a bit short on them!)

Mix the wet ingredients together.  Whisk in the zest, soda, baking powder, salt, guar gum, and sugar.  Whisk in all flours.  Mix in raspberries.  Should look like a typical muffin batter,  Can add more  flour to thicken or any milk/lemon juice to thin if necessary.  Pour into greased muffin tin, bake in a 375 degree oven for 18-22 minutes until muffin tops are firm and set.  Makes about a dozen!

I shared this recipe on Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays,  The WHOLE Gang,  Whole Foods Wednesday, Gluten Free Wednesday,