Spiced Carrot Muffins

Preheat oven to 375F. Line 12 cups of a standard muffin tin with paper liners; set aside. If not using muffin liners spray each muffin tin with baking spray.

In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugars, pumpkin-pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk together yogurt, milk, butter, egg and vanilla.

If using pureed carrots add the pureed carrots to the wet ingredients. If using shredded carrots fold into the batter last.

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and the add yogurt mixture. Stir until just combined. Fold in shredded carrots and raisins if using. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown or when a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

If you want to use less sugar in this muffin recipe you can decrease the sugar amounts to 1/4 cup each. You can also use half whole wheat and half all purpose flour as well.

How to puree carrots for muffins or quick breads:
Steam the carrots on the stove in a steamer basket. When the carrots are fork tender place in a food processor and process until smooth. If you do not have a food processer use a blade attachment to a hand mixer or a blender. If using a blender you will have to add about 1/4 cup water to the blender then puree. This same method can be used with zucchini as well.