Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Bran Muffins

Last week I decided to get rid of some boxes in my pantry. One of these was some wheat bran. So, I found a bran muffin recipe and threw it together. I was concerned that it wouldn’t be sweet enough because it didn’t have any sugar in it; but the molasses was just right and this muffin was perfect!

I had a little fun taking pictures. These plates are from my Granny’s house. They are the plates we always used and I grabbed them up when no one else wanted them. The books underneath the plate are medical and pharmaceutical manuals that my grandfather had when he was in the Navy. He served in both World Wars. I think it’s pretty neat!

I’ve decided that I really like bran muffins. They are not overly sweet but have a sweetness to them, I think partly from the molasses and partly from the bran itself. They are also healthy for you as they contain a good fiber source. I don’t know that they have anti-oxidants, but they are one of the most fibrous parts of the grain and that is important for you, SO, if you don’t mind Cate (!), this is my entry for Sweetnick’s ARF-5-A-Day Tuesday. Head on over to Cate’s and check out the other entries. I’m sure there will be something wonderful, as I’ve already seen one of the other participants.

Bran Muffins from AllRecipes
(This is for 12 muffins, the original makes 24. I just halved all amounts)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cups wheat bran
1/4 teaspoon salt
5/8 teaspoons baking soda
3 tablespoons molasses
1 cups buttermilk
1 egg while, one whole egg or no egg (the original calls for 1 egg)
1.5 tablespoons butter, melted
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease muffin pans or line with paper cups. In a large bowl, combine all purpose flour, whole wheat flour, wheat bran, salt and baking soda. Add molasses, buttermilk, egg and butter; stir just to moisten. Scoop batter into prepared muffin pans. Cups should be 2/3 to 3/4 full. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
If you really want to put some antioxidants in these muffins, you can add some blueberries or strawberries.

9 comments:

gail@more than a song said...

Your pictures are always so good! And how fun to use things from your grandparents.
I might have wheat bran in my cabinet, gotta check it out!

Cate said...

The muffins look great!

Stacy at Exceedingly Mundane said...

I agree, love the plates and the books of your grandfather's. How totally cool! The muffins look good too, but I've learned the hard way that most any kind of muffin I make (especially the more healthier ones), I eat them all alone. For some reason, my hubby doesn't like muffins much. I'd love to eat some of those, they look good!

Oh, and you had a *box* of wheat bran? The only kind I can remember seeing is a bag of the Bob's Red Mill brand at Krogers. Just curious!

Hope you're having a good week :)

Anonymous said...

Our pantries have one thing in common! It too has a box (or rather, a can) of bran lingering around. As usual, I haven't had much clue what to do with it. Thanks for the great recipe & photos!

Unknown said...

Gail - Thanks! It is fun whenever I use something of theirs. It just amkes me happy.

Cate - Thanks! They tasted pretty good, too.

Stacy - If you really want muffins, you can always make them, wrap them and then freeze them to pull out when you feel the urge. I don't remember the brand I got but it was with the wheat germ over by the cereals and oatmeal.

VC - I had used this in my oatmeal and just decided it was about time to get rid of it (though I'm tempted to go buy more now!).

Anonymous said...

Bran muffins are one of my favorites.
I love that you are using your Grandma's plates and your grandpa's books. Great photos!

Anonymous said...

I love the plate and book, Claire. Perfect props for your muffins (which look yummy). Isn't it wonderful to have something from your grandparents? I have my grandmother's autograph book from high school and though it wouldn't mean anything to anyone else I'm so glad I have it.

Anonymous said...

I love bran muffins, especially with a mashed up banana or two added to the batter. Applesauce works well too! Keep the bran!! Buy some more!!

Peabody said...

That is neat that he survived two wars!