Good Friday Muffins

Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. (John 11: 25)

Habibi told me, after I made these for the first time, that traditionally people don't eat sweets on Good Friday. Somehow I missed that memo! But my favorite thing about these muffins is that they are bittersweet, just like Good Friday is. We remember with joy our own salvation and with sorrow the price that was paid on our behalf.

This recipe is based on Habibi's banana bread recipe:

1 1/4 cups applesauce
1 1/2 cups flour
1/3 cup oil or shortening
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
chopped walnuts
cinnamon
cloves
allspice
salt

With a wooden spoon, mix all the wet ingredients, then add the baking soda, salt, cocoa powder and spices. Add the flour and mix well. Pour into a greased muffin tin. Bake for 1/2 an hour at 350 degrees or until toothpick comes out clean.