Wholemeal Carrot and Rose Muffins

I may well post a little recap of my recent gastrotour at some point soon, but needless to say it was not only a wonderfully delicious experience, but highly inspirational. As is often the case though it's the little moments that more often than not make the biggest impression.

The perfect example of this was a phenomenal carrot and rose purée I enjoyed at Marcus at the Berkeley (https://www.marcusrestaurant.com), which has inspired me to make these little muffins in tribute. Those core two flavours are front and centre, but I've added some accents of my own which I think work beautifully too. I've also used some slightly more virtuous ingredients, which all can be picked up easily in most supermarkets. If you do struggle locating anything however, then please don't hesitate to get in touch. :-)

Prep time: 20 Mins

Baking time: 20-25 Mins

125g Unsalted Butter (softened)

100g Raw Cane Sugar with Stevia

3 Large Eggs

1tsp Rose Water

1/2tsp Almond Extract

100g Ground Almonds

125g Wholemeal Self Raising Flour

1tsp Baking Powder
150g Finely Grated Carrot

200g Sultanas

75g Pistachios (roughly chopped)

A drizzle of Runny Honey

Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4 and line a 12 cup muffin tray with paper cases. In a large mixing bowl cream together the butter and sugar, then beat in the eggs one at a time along with the rose water and extract. Mix through the ground almonds, then repeat for the flour and baking powder. Fold in the grated carrot, followed by the sultanas and the batter is ready.

Spoon your batter equally into each paper case then top with some of the pistachios. Give the pistachios a little press to just secure them to the batter. Bake in the centre of the oven for 20-25 minutes, until risen and golden brown on top. To make sure they are baked you can insert a metal skewer or sharp knife into the middle of one of th muffins. It should come out clean.

When you are happy the muffins are baked remove from the oven, drizzle each with honey and leave for 15 minutes. Once they have cooled slightly remove from the tray and leave to cool completely on a wire rack. All done!