Vegan muffins for Santa Claus

Lenten Muffins for Santa

Every holiday brings with it traditions, and Christmas is a special time when we gather with our loved ones, enjoying delicious treats. These Lenten muffins for Santa are not just a wonderful choice for the festive table, but also a way to bring a touch of magic to every bite. Without animal-derived ingredients, they are ideal for those observing Lent, yet will surely impress anyone, regardless of their diet.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup flaxseeds
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup grape skin powder
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- a pinch of Himalayan salt
- ½ cup sunflower oil
- 2 cups sparkling water
- 50 g walnuts + 2 tablespoons sugar for caramelizing the walnuts
- 100 g dark chocolate
- sugar candies for decoration

Recipe History:
Muffins have a long history, with roots in medieval bread recipes. These delights have evolved, becoming a popular dessert worldwide. During Christmas, each family contributes its unique touch to this dish, adding special ingredients that reflect their traditions and preferences.

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the caramelized sugar: Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of sugar over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. When the sugar turns golden, add the coarsely chopped walnuts and quickly mix. Place the mixture on a silicone mat and let it cool. Once hardened, break the sugar into small pieces and grind it in a food processor until it becomes a fine powder.

2. Mixing the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, add the sparkling water, oil, sugar, the baking soda activated with lemon juice, grape skin powder, and salt. Use an electric mixer to blend the mixture, ensuring that the sugar is completely dissolved.

3. Adding the dry ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder and gradually add them to the wet mixture. Mix everything until you obtain a smooth composition, free of lumps. It’s important not to overmix to avoid dense muffins.

4. Filling the molds: Prepare the muffin molds with baking liners. Pour the mixture into the molds, leaving a little space at the top to allow the muffins to rise. Sprinkle the caramelized walnut pieces on top of the mixture.

5. Baking: Place the molds in the preheated oven and bake the muffins for about 25 minutes. Check if they are baked using a toothpick – if it comes out clean, the muffins are ready!

6. Cooling and decorating: After removing them from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes in the molds, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely. While they cool, melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler. Add 2 tablespoons of water for a smoother texture. Decorate each muffin with melted chocolate and sprinkle sugar candies for a festive look.

Practical Tips:
- Sugar: I recommend using brown sugar for a more caramelized taste and a deeper color.
- Flaxseeds: These can be an excellent source of omega-3. If you don’t have them, you can use chia seeds, which will add a similar texture.
- Variations: You can add spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the muffin mixture for a richer flavor. You can also experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts.

Nutritional Benefits:
These muffins are a good source of fiber due to the whole flour and flaxseeds. Additionally, sunflower oil can provide healthy fatty acids, offering a balanced nutritional intake. Each muffin contains approximately 180 calories, depending on the serving size and the ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions:
These Lenten muffins pair perfectly with a warm tea or aromatic coffee. For a special breakfast, you can serve them alongside a fresh fruit smoothie. Also, if you want an extravagant touch, you can accompany the muffins with a vegan vanilla sauce for a dreamy dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I replace sugar with a natural sweetener? Yes, you can use maple syrup or honey, but you will need to adjust the liquid quantities in the recipe.
- Can I use other types of flour? Absolutely! Whole wheat or almond flour can offer a different flavor and interesting texture.
- How can I keep the muffins fresh? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for a longer duration.

I hope you enjoy making these Lenten muffins for Santa and that they bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!