Crazy orange, I know...

Perusing through recipes is a favorite pastime of mine, and muffin recipes receive premier viewing time. I have a “thing” for muffins—baking, eating, experimenting, sharing. Though I miss some of my favorite muffin standby ingredients (wheat bran, oat bran, flax meal, maple syrup, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, cranberries, walnuts, pecans… and mini chocolate chips!), I get the fun challenge of experimenting with what I do have available here in Zambia (papaya, mango, guava, bananas, oats, Zambian honey).

image thanks to Google

I could try to explain it (I really do have a good explanation), but you probably wouldn't understand the urge for carrot muffins that recently hit me. The unavailability of sour cream (used in Carrot Muffies, my classic carrot muffin favorite) proved a great excuse to search out another carrot muffin recipe.

I present to you: Zambian Carrot Honey Muffins*. Easy, nutritious, and tasty.

When I confessed my baking urge to Heather, she couldn't imagine anything delicious coming from the combination of “carrot” and “muffin,” so I’m pretty sure these guys are going to the freezer to be enjoyed again and again by this muffin-loving accountant (unless I give them all away before they make it behind that frigid door!). The recipe only makes twelve… so, who are we kidding, they won’t last long.

Thanks to my sister-in-law, I enjoyed a special cup of imported tea with a fresh carrot muffin Saturday night. Wonderful! The only thing better would have been sharing a muffin and cup of tea with you, and enjoying each other’s company. Next time, maybe?

*I only altered this linked recipe slightly: by the time I grated four carrots, I had a bit over 2 cups of shredded carrots, so I threw in the extra too. I used olive oil (less than ½ cup), and organic Zambian honey. Also, our wheat flour is "brown flour" (not the same as American whole wheat flour). Next time, I might try adding some grated apple and reducing the oil to 1/3 cup. These muffins would be great with pecans and/or raisins as well.