Baking is one of the closest things we have to magic. From organizing your ingredients to flipping through your recipe books, it’s a ritual that creates a sacred experience when you’re making something with love. Our gluten-free Chocolate Hazelnut Kefir Muffins embrace that wholesome dedication.
Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Actually Need to Know
With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.
Several studies have shown a strong association between the gut-brain-microbiota. Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunity, improve allergies, and improve digestion.
Studies have shown that reduced diversity of healthy gut bacteria during early years is associated with an increase in food allergies during school-age years. In addition, kefir made from whole fat milk helps absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is important because it helps your bones absorb calcium. It’s important to know that kefir contains a special trio: vitamin D, K, and calcium – all three crucial elements to support bone health.
Servings: 10Ingredients
- ½ cup Chocolate Lowfat Kefir
- 2 cups flaxseed meal
- 1½ cup almond meal
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- ⅓ cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ cup chopped toasted hazelnuts
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350F and line a muffin tin with parchment or silicone liners.
- Combine the Lifeway Strawberry Oat, flaxseed and vanilla extract in a large blender and blend until smooth.
- Add the almond meal, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, baking powder, and salt and blend again.
- If your batter is overly thick, add a tablespoon or two of water until it is thin enough to scoop out of the blender.
- Divide the mixture amount the prepared muffin cups and sprinkle the tops with the chopped hazelnuts. Press lightly into the batter.
- Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until the muffins have risen and are firm to the touch.