Maple Apple Muffins
My 6 year old daughter had been begging all last week to bake something. She wanted to make some apple cupcakes. She took out a page of her recipe book and wrote down all the ingredients and handed it to me. When I asked her how much of each ingredient, she didn’t have an answer. So I had to explain to her that recipes are not just about ingredients, they are all about measurements. So she started pulling out her measuring spoons and put one next to each ingredient. It was really cute, but then I had to explain to her that when you don’t know what you are doing, it is best to start with a base recipe and adapt it from there.
I found a recipe on the Food Network website for Apple Coffee Cake with Crumble Topping that sounded good. It was by Emeril Lagasse, you can’t go wrong with any of his recipes. I didn’t want a heavy cupcake and I wasn’t in the mood for frosting. So I convinced my daughter we should try to make this recipe as muffins in cute cupcake liners. She was happy. I had most of the ingredients except for sour cream, but I had some Vanilla Chobani yogurt on hand. I also wanted to add a touch of maple, so I replaced some of the sugar for maple syrup.
Just look at those chunks of apples sitting in that fluffy maple cloud. Don’t you just want to dive right in?
Here my assistant in sprinkling the crumble on top of the muffins before putting then in the oven.
We did not go overboard on the crumble, just a little to give the muffins a little crunch. I used some maple butter that I had made before to make the crumble and keep with the maple flavor.
The end result was a light, airy muffin. Not to sweet, but full of maple and apple flavor with a slightly crunchy topping. Perfect to go with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. I’d share, but sadly they are all gone.
Maple Apple Muffins
by The Sweet Chick
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-20 minutes
Keywords: bake dessert snack breakfast apple maple syrup muffin
Ingredients (24 muffins)
For the muffins
- 8 tablespoons(1 stick) butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (vanilla or plain)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 cups chopped apples
For the topping
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup quick oats
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons butter (or maple butter)
Instructions
For the muffins
Preheat oven to 350º F. Fill muffin tins with liners.
In a stand mixer, cream together the brown sugar and the butter. Then add the eggs and mix on low until well blended.
In a large bowl sift together flours, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Then slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture while mixing on low.
Add yogurt and vanilla extract. Then add maple syrup and continue to mix on low until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Lastly, add the chopped apples and mix until apple pieces are well distributed.
Evenly distribute the batter into the muffin liners. Then make the topping.
For the topping
In a small bowl mix together the sugar, flour, oatmeal, and cinnamon. Blend with a fork, making sure there are no lumps.
Melt the butter in a glass container in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Then pour over the dry mixture. Blend with a fork until mixture becomes crumbly.
Evenly distribute the crumble mixture over muffin batter.
Then place muffin tins in the oven and bake at 350º for 15-20 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out dry.
Are Black Olives Acidic? Black Olives and Acid Reflux
When dealing with acid reflux, choosing the right foods can be critical. Black olives, commonly used in Mediterranean dishes and salads, often raise questions about their compatibility with an acid reflux-friendly diet. Are black olives acidic? Let’s dive into the facts and explore whether they are suitable for individuals managing acid reflux.
Are Black Olives Acidic or Alkaline?
Black olives are mildly acidic, with a pH ranging from 3.6 to 4.6, depending on how they are processed and preserved. Despite their acidity, they are generally considered safe for consumption in moderate amounts for most individuals, including those with acid reflux.
The preservation process, which often involves soaking olives in brine or vinegar, contributes to their acidity. However, once digested, black olives are thought to have a neutral to slightly alkaline effect on the body due to their rich mineral content, including magnesium and potassium.
Related to Read: Are Green Olives Acidic?
Acidic vs. Alkaline Foods and Acid Reflux
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and irritation. Choosing foods with alkaline properties can help neutralize excess stomach acid and soothe reflux symptoms. While black olives are not strongly alkaline, their nutritional profile provides several benefits for digestive health.
Author Tip: 7 Kinds of Foods to Avoid with GERD
Black Olives and Acid Reflux: Benefits
1. Rich in Healthy Fats
Black olives are a source of monounsaturated fats, which promote overall gut health. Unlike high-fat processed foods, these healthy fats do not typically trigger acid reflux when consumed in moderation.
2. High in Antioxidants
Black olives contain antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols. These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that can protect the esophagus from irritation caused by acid reflux.
3. Good Source of Minerals
Minerals like magnesium and potassium in black olives help regulate stomach acid production, reducing the risk of reflux episodes.
4. Low in Calories
With approximately 35 calories per 10 olives, black olives are a low-calorie snack that won’t overload the stomach—a common trigger for acid reflux.
Potential Concerns with Black Olives
1. Sodium Content
Many black olives are cured or preserved in brine, which significantly increases their sodium content. High sodium intake can lead to water retention, bloating, and an increased risk of acid reflux. Opt for low-sodium or rinsed olives to reduce this risk.
2. Portion Control
Overeating black olives, like any food, can overload the stomach and increase the chances of acid reflux. Stick to moderate portions.
3. Processing Ingredients
Check for added ingredients like vinegar or spices, which can heighten acidity and potentially aggravate reflux symptoms.
How to Include Black Olives in an Acid Reflux-Friendly Diet?
- Choose Low-Sodium Options
Look for black olives labeled “low-sodium” or rinse regular olives to remove excess salt. - Pair with Alkaline Foods
Combine black olives with alkaline foods like leafy greens, cucumbers, or quinoa for a balanced meal. - Limit Processed Dishes
Avoid black olives in heavily processed dishes like pizza or nachos, as these may include high-fat and acidic ingredients that trigger reflux. - Monitor Your Reaction
Everyone’s body reacts differently. Start with small portions and observe how your body responds before making olives a regular part of your diet.
Author Tip: 7-Day Meal Plan For Gastritis
Black Olive Recipes for Acid Reflux
1. Mediterranean Black Olive Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh spinach or arugula
- 10 sliced black olives (low sodium)
- 1/2 cup diced cucumbers
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- A pinch of salt and oregano
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Toss with olive oil for a refreshing, reflux-friendly salad.
2. Black Olive Hummus
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup black olives (rinsed)
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove (optional, depending on tolerance)
Instructions:
Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Serve with cucumber slices or whole-grain crackers
Scientific Evidence Supporting Black Olives and Acid Reflux
- Monounsaturated Fats and Digestion: Studies in the Journal of Gastrointestinal Health highlight that monounsaturated fats, such as those in black olives, improve digestion without exacerbating reflux.
- Anti-Inflammatory Benefits: Research in Nutrients (2021) emphasizes the role of polyphenols in reducing esophageal inflammation caused by reflux.
- Mineral Support: A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2019) links magnesium and potassium intake to improved stomach acid regulation.
Final Thoughts
So, are black olives acidic? Yes, but only mildly. Their nutritional benefits, including healthy fats, antioxidants, and essential minerals, make them a potentially reflux-friendly food when consumed in moderation. By choosing low-sodium options and pairing them with alkaline foods, you can enjoy the rich flavor of black olives without aggravating acid reflux symptoms.
If you have specific dietary concerns, consult a healthcare professional or dietitian for personalized guidance. With mindful eating, black olives can be a flavorful and healthy addition to your diet.