Cranberry Orange Muffins

These cranberry orange muffins didn’t last long at all in our home…so yummy!   The mixture of cranberries, orange juice & zest, and spices combine to make a festive and delicious holiday muffin. These little nuggets from heaven are gluten free and paleo friendly.  

In case you haven’t noticed, I really enjoy making muffins because I can make them the night before, which makes a them a quick and easy breakfast for everyone in the family.  I keep the muffins in the refrigerator and then heat them up with a spread of Kerrygold butter when we are ready to eat.

Nourishing Ingredients {why I feel good feeding these muffins to my munchkin}

• Cranberry:  Vitamins A, C, E & K, folate, potassium, manganese, and fiber.  Very high in antioxidants.  Anticancer and antibacterial properties thanks to the vast photonutrients found in cranberries.   Excellent for urinary tract prevention due to the PACs found in cranberries, as well as, possible prevention of stomach ulcers.  Cranberries prevent plaque formation on the tooth surface by interfering with the ability of another gram-negative bacterium, Streptococcus mutans, to stick to the surface. It thus helps prevent the development of cavities in a way similar to the action in preventing urinary tract infections.
• Orange:  Good source of Vitamin A, B1 & C, folate, potassium, and fiber.  Antioxidants, immune booster, cardiovascular protection, helps prevent ulcers and reduce risk for stomach cancer, prevents kidney stones, and protects against rheumatoid arthritis.   
• Egg:  Contain all nine essential amino acids (protein), and they’re loaded with vitamins & nutrients that help your eyes, brain, and heart.
• Almond Meal:  Gluten free.  All the benefits of almonds since it’s just ground up blanched almonds.  Omega 3′s fatty acids, fiber, protein, and vitamins & minerals.
• Coconut Flour:  Gluten free, high in fiber, protein.  Antibacterial and antifungal properties.  Balances blood sugar and insulin levels, and increases insulin sensitivity –making it great for diabetics.  Lowers blood pressure, boost testosterone levels, protects against stroke, and boost thyroid & metabolism function.
• Extra Virgin Coconut Oil {unrefined, cold pressed}:  Vitamins & minerals, antioxidants, medium chain triglyceride fatty acids (which are also found in breast milk), and antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral & antibacterial properties.  Helps to control blood sugar & improves insulin secretion which is especially beneficial for diabetics. Helps absorb certain nutrients, good for energy & endurance, and beneficial to the heart, digestive system, skin & hair.  The list goes on & on!  Munchkins under the age of 2 need about half of their calories to come from healthy fat.  
• Cloves:  Omega 3, manganese, magnesium, calcium, fiber, and vitamins A, B1, B6, C & K.  Contains essential oils, flavonoids, tannins, and triterpenoids.  Anti-inflammatory, anesthetic, and antibacterial properties.   Great for digestion.
• Cinnamon:  Vitamin K, iron, manganese, fiber, and calcium, as well as, has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Raw Honey:  Contains natural vitamins, enzymes, antioxidants, as well as, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Local honey fights off seasonal allergies. 
• Pure Vanilla:  Antioxidants, B-complex, calcium, magnesium, potassium & zinc.  Anti-inflammatory properties, antidepressant, and sleep aid.