Spinach Cupcakes

We've gotten into a little rut at snack time in our house.  All Mac seems to get it applesauce.  My friend Heather told me about a recipe for Spinach Cupcakes (yes, I said spinach) and they are fantastic!  Plus, they are a fun green color that just about any kid would like.  Eric was a bit skeptical at first, but once I got him to actually taste one he has been asking for them in his lunch too.  The recipe is very easy and if you make a big batch you can put the extras in the freezer to save for later.  Just pull out the amount that you need the night before and leave them in the refrigerator. 

Spinach Cupcakes:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup Egg Beaters (in place of one large egg)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh spinach, packed
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce (in place of vegetable oil)
• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
  **the recipe calls for 1/2 tsp of salt but I have eliminated it**

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F
2. Place the first 6 ingredients in a food processor and puree
3. Place the remaining ingredients in a separate bowl and combine
4. Pour the spinach puree in a large mixing bowl
5. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet until combined
6. Scoop batter into a mini muffin tin, filling each cup 2/3 of the way
7. Bake for 11 minutes (original recipe calls for 12)
8. Serve

This has now become Mac's favorite snack.  I know it sounds a little strange, but we all love them and it's a great way to get some spinach into our diets.