Have you noticed even if it's not cold outside, as soon as the days become shorter and the nights become longer you want more comfort food? You are not alone. Craving food that is warm and fulfilling is instinctual this time of year. Comfort food is like a warm hug on a cold day or wearing your most comfortable pj's all day and curling up on the couch and watching movies. Doesn't that sound nice?

You are likely reading this while stuck behind a desk, withering beneath fluorescent lighting and I don't mean to torture you, but instead give you something to look forward: the ultimate, cozy recipe.

Unlike most comfort foods like mac and cheese or chewy chocolate chip cookies, this muffin recipe has healthy fat and isn't loaded with sugar and other preservatives.

There is a very special ingredient in this recipe that makes it so fabulous - coconut flour! This ingredient is a staple for a gluten-free kitchen.

The health benefits of coconut and muffin recipe after the jump

Feel-Good Coconut Muffins

3 eggs
2 tbsp organic coconut oil/butter (same thing)
2 tbsp coconut milk
3 tbsp honey or agave nectar
1/4 tsp of almond or vanilla extract
1/4 cup coconut flour
1/4 tsp aluminum free baking powder
Option: 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or blueberries)

***Some people have found the recipe is a bit dry. An option is to add chopped pineapple for moisture. You can add 1/2 cup to 1 cup depending how much pineapple flavour you want.

If the coconut oil is solid, then melt it in a pan before adding it to the recipe. It depends on the temperature of your kitchen as to whether it is solid or liquid.

Directions: In a bowl mix together the eggs, oil, milk, honey, and extract. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour and baking powder. Combine ALL the ingredients together (including cranberries), and stir well until there are no lumps. Sprinkle with desired amount of coconut flakes on the top, if you have some.

Grease muffin pan or use paper liners for muffins. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until a fork inserted into the muffin comes out clean. Makes approximately 10 muffins.

Coconut has incredible health benefits! Many people may shy away from coconut oil because it is a saturated fat, however, it is not the same as animal fat. In fact, about half of all the saturated fat in coconut oil comes from lauric acid, a medium-length saturated fatty acid. According to Dr. Jon J. Kabara, PhD. and Professor Emeritus of Michigan State University, "Never before in the history of man is it so important to emphasize the value of lauric oils. The medium-chain fats in coconut oil are similar to fats in mother's milk and have similar nutriceutical effects."

Many experts, such as Dr. Mary Enig, believe that coconut oil is antiviral and antibacterial. In fact, studies conducted in the Philippines last year show that coconut oil does indeed reduce the viral load in AIDS' patients. Many cultures have been using coconut oil for centuries and I'm very excited that it's finally become more mainstream.

Be cautious: According to Whole Foods Database, coconut oil that is highly-refined has been heavily processed, bleached, and deodorized is not going to provide you with the same desirable balance of fatty acids, or the same beneficial polyphenol content, as either virgin coconut oil or less extensively refined coconut oil. You need to ensure the coconut oil you are buying is organic and unrefined. There is no such thing as "extra-virgin" despite the label claiming otherwise.

Garden of Life and Omega are both my preferred brands (just disregard the "extra virgin" claim on the label). In fact, I use coconut oil as my moisturizer! Coconut oil and coconut butter are the same thing and it makes your skin smooth like butter.

I really wanted to call this recipe "delightful" coconut muffins, because when you smell them cooking and take them out of the oven, you will feel so delightful. However, they are "feel-good" too.

Enjoy this recipe!

Joyous

Joy McCarthy, owner of Joyous Health, is a certified holistic nutritionist and health coach with a passion for inspiring people to eat well, live well and feel more joyous on a daily basis. Joy welcomes your questions or comments and although you may not receive a response, your submission will certainly be read and may be selected as a topic for a future column.