The Green Monster, Take 3

Objective: to get the kids (and husband) to eat some spinach.

Method: try making some Green Monster Muffins (since I just can't get the last shred of chewiness out of the Green Monster Smoothie).

Prickly Mom's Green Monster Muffins
(Based on recipe from The Blissful Baker)

1 1/2 c whole wheat pastry flour
1 t baking powder
1/2 t cinnamon
1/4 t salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2/3 c granulated sugar (I used Florida Crystals)
1 large egg
1 c crushed pineapple in juice
1 c packed baby spinach, washed (I used Trader Joe's Southern Greens Blend)
3 T melted butter
1 t vanilla extract
1 t lemon juice
White chocolate chips
Sliced almonds
Black frosting

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 12-cup muffin tin (or 24-cup mini muffin tin) with cooking spray. Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and sugar. In the bowl of a food processor, blend egg, pineapple with juice, spinach, butter, vanilla, and lemon juice. Add in flour mixture and stir until just combined (do not overmix). Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups. Bake for 14-17 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center of muffin comes out clean. While muffins are still warm, press on white chocolate chips for eyes and push in almond slices in the shape of a smile. When completely cooled, add black frosting dots to eyes. 

(The muffins are very tasty, but turned out a little dry. If anyone has a suggestion, let me know. I feel like there should have been more butter.)