Spinach Mini Muffins (kid approved)

We've called these Shrek muffins, Hulk muffins and Grinch muffins, so feel free to add your own name that fits whatever your kiddo is into these days: Yoda, Mike Wazowski, Kermit the Frog, Oscar the Grouch, Luigi, Slimer, Green Lantern, Princess Fiona, Donatello, Tinker Bell, etc.

Here's a quick muffin recipe your selective eater is sure to love. My kiddos are now older and will almost eat an entire batch.

I'm not a dietitian, but these seem healthier than many recipes I've encountered and it's pretty flexible so if you don't have enough of one item it's pretty forgiving. It definitely has more vegetables that our other favorite muffins. This makes about 48 mini muffins.

Ingredients

2 cups baby spinach (pureed)

2-3 medium ripe bananas

2 eggs

6-7 oz applesauce

1/4 cup oil (pick your favorite - I generally use vegetable or coconut)

1 t. vanilla or almond extract

2 C flour

2 t. baking powder

1/2 t. baking soda

1/8 t. salt

Optional - shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, raisins, etc. - be creative and use what your child loves

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Spray mini muffin pan.

2. Add first 6 ingredients to blender (When using it, I add coconut here to keep a consistent texture to the mix) and blend to a puree.

3. Add the rest of ingredients and mix well.

4. Fill mini muffin cups 3/4 full. This is where I add a couple mini chips to the top.

5. Bake for 10 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Remove from oven and pan and let cool.

7. Serve alone or with your favorite nut butter.

Hacks

• Chocolate chips are totally optional. It's also easy to just add a couple mini chips on top right before putting them in the oven and your kiddo will totally think they are throughout.

• I've added a couple scoops of protein powder, flax seed, powdered greens, etc. for added nutrition. Basically, whatever I have on hand at the time.

• I make mini muffins because it made them super kid friendly and I could eat a couple, too, without feeling guilty. You can make them regular or in a bread pan, just adjust your baking times accordingly.

• Squeezy pouches are your friend. I've added whatever healthy squeezy packet I have on hand in for half of the applesauce many times.

• Feel free to add a quarter cup of shredded carrot, cooked sweet potato, etc. before you puree to add additional nutrients. If it is too thick to stir, add a little more applesauce.