Orange Almond and Olive Oil Muffins

Happy Spring! Today, I have a recipe for orange almond and olive oil muffins to share with you.  The citrus flavor and lightness of the muffins just makes it seem like a good spring recipe!

If given a choice between muffins or cupcakes, I'll go with the cupcake.  I mean, muffins are kind of like cupcakes without frosting, right?  That said, these muffins are a good treat (and I added a dollop of almond butter on top for fake frosting).  Does that make them cupcakes then? ;)

These muffins are lighter because of the almond flour, and the orange juice and orange zest add sweetness.  Instead of using butter, you use extra virgin olive oil.  Next time I make these, I will try swapping out the granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a twist on the flavor.

These muffins freeze well, so you can freeze the extras and then just pull it out the night before to defrost.  They would be great for a breakfast on the go or for an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea!

Orange Almond and Olive Oil Muffins
Yields 18 muffins

Ingredients:
2/3 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
Grated zest of 1 large orange
1/3 cup fresh orange juice, at room temperature
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp. Greek yogurt, at room temperature
3/4 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 tsp. pure almond extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup almost flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/3 tsp. sea salt

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 325ºF and line two muffin pans with 18 liners.

Using a hand mixer with a medium bowl or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the eggs an sugar together until pale an thick, about two to three minutes.  Then, add in the orange zest, orange juice, Greek yogurt, vanilla, and almond extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flours, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually stir the flour mixture into the egg mixture until just blended.  Pour 1/3 cup of the batter into the muffin cups and bake until golden, about 20 minutes.

Source: Giada De Laurentiis' Feel Good Food