Tuesday, February 12, 2008

"Bran"d New Muffins and Blog

First, a quick update. Last Tuesday, the tornado that hit Union University destroyed many dorms and damaged others. Through the past week there has been much clean-up going on. Rooms were "bagged and tagged," arrangements for student housing has been made, and classes have been rearranged. On Monday classes will start again...there's already been a basketball game! Of all the students involved, none passed away and only 5 remain in the hospital, with serious but non-life threatening injuries! What a great God we serve! He is Sovereign and full of mercy towards us! Now a yummy and healthy muffin. A few weeks ago, I found a new site called A Cookie a Day. There are so many good looking recipes on there...lemon and caper tilapia, lasagna rolls, lentil soup...but what caught my eye that day were some fantastic looking muffins. Add to that that they were healthy, a winner! On top of the changes already made, I made a few of my own changes. I decided to remove 1/2 cup of flour and replace it with 1/2 cup wheat bran. I also only used 1/4 cup margarine instead of 5 T. And because I ran out, I used about 3/4 cups of brown sugar; I think it could even be decreased to 1/2 cup. Even with the small amount of fat in these muffins, there were SO tender. The spices give them a fantastic flavor and they just smelled fantastic. I am definitely making these again! Here is the original recipe...if you want something healthy and fantastic for breakfast or even a snack, try these muffins.
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup wheat bran
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup (4 T) margarine, melted
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup pecans or walnuts (3 1/2 oz), coarsely chopped
Directions
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 400°F. Grease muffin pan.
Stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt in a bowl. Whisk together eggs and brown sugar in a large bowl until combined well, then add butter, a little at a time, whisking until mixture is creamy. Stir in applesauce, then fold in flour mixture until flour is just moistened. Stir in nuts and divide batter among muffin cups

8 comments:

Astrid Keel said...

yum! These muffins look delicious.I love bran muffins and look forward to trying these. :) Hope the weather clears up and you continue to stay warm and safe!

Anonymous said...

Great idea with the wheat bran!!! Now I must try them this way :)

they look fantastic!

Deborah said...

They sound delicious!!

ioyces said...

sounds yummy!! Delicious and healthy- the best combination isn't it?? :) Happy Valentine's btw!

Annie said...

I love spicy bran muffins, and you got my attention with the lower fat and reduced sugar- great adjustments. I'm trying these, I just need to buy some wheat bran. Thanks!

Unknown said...

Swissmiss - Thanks! The weather has been great here...a little rain but not all day. Hope you enjoy the muffins.

Jbw - Thanks! I really like the depth of bran, so this was up my alley.

Deborah - Thanks!

Joyces - Hmmm thanks for the wishes...I got to spend it at the VA on call! You're right...yummy and healthy is a good combo.

Annie - Hope you enjoy these. Bran is good to add to lots of baked goods for a little nutty taste...even add it to yogurt!

Emily said...

I'm glad everything turned out fine with the students.
What a scary time!

Your muffins look terrific. I bet the applesauce really keeps them moist.

sher said...

Wonderfull looking muffins--you can tell that they're really tender.

By the way, I'm a Southern girl who also doesn't like sweet tea! :):)