Raspberry Granola Muffins (Vegan)

So apparently I am an abysmal prankster. This truth has reared it's head throughout my life when I attempt to  fool people on April Fool's day.  Today, I thought I had a soild trick when I text my sister a seemingly convincing picture of a St. Bernard puppy that I touted as our new furry companion. She knows we're on the dog hunt, but didn't buy it one second. I just don't know what to do to pull one over on someone.

Bodily fluids pranks have always disgusted me, such as the ole' saran wrap on the toilet seat. (Gross, right?) Someone on the radio this morning suggested taking butter and replacing your significant others or roommate's  deodorant with it. If someone did this to me at 5 a.m.  they'd have a hard time getting my foot out of their ass, mark my words.

 My sister wasn't always so wise to my shenanigans, and I remember with pride the April Fool's of our youth when I offered to make her a sandwich ( kindness from my childhood sisterly self  should have tipped her off immediately, poor sucker) and I gave her a bologna sandwich with "mayo" a.k.a. baking soda toothpaste. So at least I can pull one over on a 10 year old.....

However I myself am undoubtedly gullible, and have actually fallen for "What's on the ceiling, Kala?" more than once. When I read that Red Box was going to start serving lunch meat in their movie kiosks today, I really, truly believed it. It's a crazy world, right? Not many things would  surprise me. Many gas stations give away horrifying meat products with the purchase of gasoline, so why not Red Box?

So while I may not be a great joke master, at least I can bake. I did have a good time not telling my fiance' the muffins he chowed with a smile were vegan until after he sang their praises and passed them out to friends... 

Raspberry Granola Muffins ( Vegan)

-3 cups white whole wheat flour ( I used Gold Medal this time)

- 1/2 cup sugar

- 3/4 cup canola oil

-2 cups almond milk

-1/2 cup chopped almonds

-1 cup raspberries

-1/2 cup oats

1 T. flax seed

- 1 t. salt

-1 t. nutmeg

-1 t. cinnamon

-1 t. baking soda

-1 1/2 T. baking powder

-1 t. vanilla

Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line and spray 12 baking muffin cups. In medium mixing bowl combine flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, baking soda and baking powder and whisk to combine, leaving a well in the center of the mixture.  In another mixing bowl combine sugar, canola oil, vanilla and almond milk and whisk to combine. Pour wet into dry and fold until just combined, then fold in raspberries, almonds, oats and flax seed. Spoon into baking cups and bake 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.

I used a lot of filling in these, making a very hearty little muffin.  I ground the almonds in a food processor, making them almost like meal, incorporating the nutty flavor throughout every last delightful bite.

I also used a little less sugar in these, to up the nutritional ante a bit, and they're still "normal" tasting, considering they're vegan. The raspberries shine like little jewels, don't you think? 

These muffins are good for breakfast if you're like me, and get up super early with no chance to eat for 7 hours straight and need something filling. I've made similar muffins with just a cup of pre-made granola and a cup of berries, but I liked these a lot better. Enjoy!