A way to enjoy one of your favorite special treats while making it a little healthier!
- Preheat oven to 400º F. Slice off beet leaves close to the stem and scrub the beets clean. Cut them each into 4 pieces and place them on a large square of foil. Sprinkle with the salt, olive oil and a splash of water. Wrap the beets loosely with the foil.
- Place foil-wrapped beets on a baking sheet and roast until a knife or fork comes out with ease when inserted into the beet, about 30 minutes or so. Set the beets aside to cool.
- Preheat oven to 350º F. Line two 12-cup muffin tins with paper liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and cocoa powder.
- Peel the cooled beets and place in a blender or food processor. Blend until pureed.
- Add coconut oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar and vanilla to the beet puree and blend. In two parts, mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, until it’s mixed well.
- Scoop batter into lined cupcake tins, filling about ⅔ full.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.
- Let cool and then frost!
- Cook flour and milk until thick, stirring constantly. Add vanilla and let cool. Cream the sugar and shortening. Beat until it looks like whip cream, then add your flour and milk mixture.
