Toasted Coconut & Mango Muffins
from Vegan Brunch, makes 12 muffins
1 1/4 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
1 1/4 cups almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 3/4 cups white whole wheat flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/3 cup canola oil
2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups diced fresh mango (or 3/4 cup chopped dried mango)
3-4 tablespoons crystallized (candied) ginger, chopped (optional)
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a muffin tin.
2. First, toast the coconut. Preheat a large pan over medium-low heat. Pour in the coconut and, using a spatula, move it around slowly and consistently for about 4 minutes. The coconut should start browning almost immediately; if it doesn't then turn the heat up a bit. Remove from heat when toasted (it should appear honey brown to dark chestnut in color).
3. Measure milk into a measuring cup and add vinegar. Set aside to curdle.
4. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, nutmeg, and allspice. Create a well in the center and add the milk mixture, oil, and extracts. Mix together until just combined, then fold in toasted coconut and mango. Fill the muffin tin three-quarters of the way with batter and bake for 23 to 27 minutes, until a toothpick inserted through the center becomes clean. Let cool a bit until you can loosen the muffins and transfer them to cooling racks to cool the rest of the way.
