Beetroot and chocolate muffins

Name: Beetroot and chocolate muffins
Cook time: 1 h
Yield: 12
Cuisine: Contemporary
Ingredients: 250g raw beetroot; 175g plain flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 2 tbsp cocoa powder; 2 free-range eggs; 1/4 cup milk; 60g softened butter; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1/4 cup caster sugar; 1/2 cup soft brown sugar; 100g best-quality dark chocolate

Stephanie Alexander

April 2, 2012

Child's play: Beetroot and chocolate muffins.Vanessa Levis

easyTime:30 mins - 1 hourMakes:12

Favourites with Kitchen Garden students, these muffins are child's play to make. These treats can be made with cooked beetroot instead of raw - both are delicious.

Ingredients

250g raw beetroot
175g plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp cocoa powder
2 free-range eggs
1/4 cup milk
60g softened butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup caster sugar
1/2 cup soft brown sugar
100g best-quality dark chocolate

Method

Lightly grease a 12-hole muffin tin, or drop paper cases into the holes.
Preheat oven to 180 degrees celcius.
Peel beetroot and grate in food processor with grating disc. Set aside and wash processor.
Sift flour, baking powder and cocoa into a large mixing bowl.
Lightly whisk eggs with milk.
Process butter, oil and sugars until creamy. Gradually add egg/milk mixture, alternating with flour mixture.
Tip into the large bowl and stir in beetroot. Mix well.
Spoon mixture into muffin holes. Break chocolate into 12 pieces and poke a piece into the top of each muffin.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until well-risen and springy to the touch.
Cool in tin for a few minutes then turn onto a rack.