Carrot Zucchini Muffins with Balsamic Buttercream


So here is what it looks like at our house.

Pizza, pizza.  Crepes, fresh garden peas, otter pops.


Stir fry!  Pizza.  Rice and beans.

I can't say I am walking a tightrope between feeding my family healthy food and treats because there is no middle ground.


We wobble wildly from one end to the other.  A fried egg, a boiled one, a meringue buttercream!  It still has eggs in it.

I'm not sure if I'm raising my children to be good eaters or not, depending on how you understand that phrase.


These muffins are a middle ground.

The crumb is dense and hearty, the frosting is just a light touch of indulgence.


Gather around me children and eat your veggies!

Also!  May I announce the winner of last week's giveaway!  My good friend Mary - you are the best!  Expect your tiny embroidery very soon.  Thanks to those who entered.


Carrot Zucchini Muffins with Balsamic Buttercream
adapted from Beyond the Olive
Makes 12

For the muffins:
3 eggs
3/4 cup olive oil
1 1/2 cups grated carrot
3/4 cup grated zucchini
3/4 cup white flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
a teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup brown sugar

For the balsamic buttercream:
2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons milk

Preheat oven to 350.  Line a 12-cup muffin pan.

Mix together (by hand is fine) eggs, olive oil, sugar, carrot and zucchini.  In a separate bowl whisk together flours, baking soda, spices and salt.

Dump dry ingredients into wet and beat together until well mixed.  

Fill muffin papers 3/4 cup full.  Bake for 20 - 25 minutes.  Done when toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.

5 comments:

Jasline @ Foodie Baker said...

I like balsamic vinegar but this is the first time I heard of it being used in a dessert, and in a buttercream some more! This sounds interesting and delicious!

Unknown said...

Yes, gather 'round me children and eat your muffin veggies. Our kids would get along great. Gorgeous muffins Anna! www.ThroughHerLookingGlass.com

amlamonte said...

thanks Jasline! it actually came from a SWAT inspiration...i was trying to think of sweet ways to use balsamic vinegar and thought, why not a buttercream??

amlamonte said...

thanks allie! haha kids. you have to trick 'em.

jeannesioux said...

I could never make zuchini muffins for my kids if they could see the grated pieces of zuchini. Those little pieces had to be invisible! :) Anna....what kind of flavor does the balsamic vinegar give the frosting?