Apple and Fennel Muffins

I made salad with apple and fennel earlier this week that was to die for.  I had leftover fennel, so I decided to add it to muffins filled with apple and lots of spices.

Ingredients:

2 apples peeled and diced

½ cup fennel diced

3 teaspoons ground cinnamon divided

1 teaspoon cardamom divided

½ cup brown sugar

1 cup almond flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon fine salt

½ cup unsweetened applesauce

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¾ cup low fat buttermilk

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a muffin pan or prepare with liners.
2. Microwave apples and fennel with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and ½ teaspoon cardamom for 2 minutes.
3. In a large bowl add flours, sugar, protein powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.  Whisk to combine.
4. Add applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract and mix.
5. Fold in buttermilk and mix gently to combine.
6. Fold in apples and fennel.
7. Use a large scooper or measuring cup to fill muffin tins.
8. Bake 20-22 minutes.
9. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before removing from muffin tins.
10. Store in an air-tight container.
11. Enjoy!