I believe I’ve yet to come across anyone who has not mentioned anything about the erratic weather here. Or more specifically, the heat wave that has hit our shores. This is possibly the worst time for the government to be implementing the Save Energy campaign, for I am pretty sure the air-conditioner has taken over the pup’s place as man’s best friend as of a couple of days ago.

The only thing I could think of was how lethargic the past week had been. The more frequent bouts of running towards any air-conditioned place, along with the constant wish of why-cant-the-whole-island-be-air-conditioned, have only made me a frumpy girl who apparently loves the sun, but not that much. I could have sworn that if I wasn’t literally bathing in my own sweat, I would’ve maneuvered my right foot to my rear last weekend when I suggested that the mister and I go on my virgin trip to a well-known flea market, and thereafter just ventured around on another one of our photo expedition trips. What a bad day to be spotting wet patches of sweat on my headscarf. Sorry for the totally unglam look, bie!

I figured I needed a literal perk-me-up under this weather. I chanced upon these energy muffins while searching for the perfect lunchbox item to bring to work tomorrow. Something that would make me full in the morning, yet somehow convince me that I’m not just putting unhealthy things into my body. Not the greasy gravy-laden rice dumplings, nor the sugar-rich Malay delicacies I always grab from the canteen downstairs.

And my definition of trying to feel healthier?

Carrots, apples, coconut, sultanas — doesn’t that sound healthy to you? Haha.

Even if you’re not in need of that extra energy boost to start your morning, even if you don’t feel like stirring a mash of orange-green pulp in your mixing bowl, I would implore you to try this. Moist, not overly sweet, full of flavour and bite, this recipe is definitely for keeps.

Or at least on those days when I want to feel healthier.

Energy Muffins
(my modified recipe; makes 9 regular, 6 minis)

3/4 cup sugar
2 cups self-raising flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
2 cups grated carrots
1 cup grated apples
1 cup dessicated coconut
1 cup sultanas
3 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract

  1. Preheat oven to 180C.
  2. Sift flour, sugar, cinnamon and baking powder into a bowl.
  3. Add carrot, apple, coconut and sultanas.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, oil and vanilla.
  5. Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
  6. Bake at 180C for 22-25mins.