Lovin' Cranberry Citrus Snack Muffins (Gluten Free)

It's Valentine's Day, a day typically noted for corny romance, extra flowers, and yummy food. I for one am happy with all of it. Why not take a day and celebrate the special relationships that God has given you? When I was single in college, I would wear a pink shirt with a red scarf and go out for ice cream with a friend. Now, seven years later with a husband and toddler, I have to deliberately stop and consider in my busy days how incredibly blessed I am to love and be loved. Valentine's Day makes me do that. So think of this day what you will, and even if you don't agree with me, maybe these yummy muffins will still bless your tummy!
When I started baking this experiment, I hadn't considered blogging the recipe until I began to realize how yummy everything could possibly taste. This has been modified from multiple other recipes, for which I am grateful as a framework, and I think you will be pleased. Not crumbly, as many GF products tend to be, and also no cane/beet sugar or eggs.
First, we must begin with a gluten free flour blend. The extra can be saved for another day.

Gluten Free Flour
3 cups brown rice flour
1 cup potato starch
1/2 cup spelt flour
1/2 cup millet flour
2 tsp xanthan gum

Cranberry Citrus Snack Muffins
Yield: 36 mini muffins
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 20 min

Ingredients-

• 2 cups gluten free flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup full fat yogurt
• 2/3 cup honey
• 3/4 cup safflower oil or melted butter
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 1/4 tsp lemon extract
• 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (okay to mix 1/2 cup milk and 2 tsp vinegar, let sit, and use instead)
•  1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries, processed in food processor until finely chopped

Directions-

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Pour a little bit of oil onto a paper towel and apply it to the inside of your muffin cups (most pans have only 24 cups, you may want to use a second pan, a large muffin pan, or even a small loaf pan for the remainder. I used a small loaf pan.)
2. In a medium bowl, mix together all of the dry ingredients. Set aside. 
3. Let your toddler/child help stir if one is there and curious!
4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, honey, oil, orange zest, lemon and vanilla extracts, and buttermilk until it is well blended. It will look like an emulsion, very creamy and the oil will separate only slightly.
5. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Overstirring will make them tough. 
6. Fold in the chopped cranberries just until evenly distributed. Batter will be very light.
   
7. Divide the batter among the muffin cups (and additional pan), filling almost to the top.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of a muffin comes out clean.
9. Allow to cool for 5 minutes, which will be difficult, because they smell amazing!
10. Feed them to your family as a healthy snack, and don't feel guilty for indulging, yourself. Enjoy!

Here's a parting wave of enthusiasm from my Little Valentine!

Join the movement of moms.

Follow me on Instagram @happyfitnessmama, share photos of your family's favorite snacks or Valentine's moments, and tag them #movementofmoms so that we can love along with you!

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Disclaimer - Research shows that those people having a Formula 1 meal replacement shake twice daily as part of a healthy eating and exercise plan can reasonably expect to lose 1/2 to 1 lb a week. And the average annual compensation provided by Herbalife to its distributors at the Supervisor position with a downline is approximately $5,800. I have chosen to consistently follow my Herbalife nutrition plan and work hard at running my business, which is the reason for my personal results.