Image credit: Julie Van Rosendaal

Calgary Mom and Food Blogger Julie Van Rosendaal shares her Mamma Yamma Muffin recipe:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup sugar (white or brown)
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 packed cups coarsely grated sweet potatoes (the dark ones most often labeled yams)
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup canola or light olive oil
3 large eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk or plain yogurt
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 pear or apple, coarsely grated (don't bother peeling it)

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray muffin cups with nonstick spray or line them with paper liners.

In a large bowl, stir together the flours, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Add the yams, pecans and raisins and toss to combine well.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla. Add to the yam mixture with the grated apple and stir just until the batter is combined. Don't worry about getting all the lumps out - overmixing will make the muffins tough.

Fill the prepared muffin tins almost to the top. Bake in the middle of the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the muffins are golden and the tops are springy to the touch. Tip them in their cups to help them cool by allowing steam to escape.

Makes a dozen or so muffins.