Healthy Recipe

If you're like me, you're probably looking for a healthier start to 2009 (just like every year). I've been looking for recipes for healthy snacks for me and the kids. I came across this muffin recipe and I tried it this morning. It's pretty darn good for being so healthy. Even Caleb (my very picky eater - who only likes to snack, not eat real meals) likes them...Ethan too. So I thought I'd share it with you. I did the math to figure out all the nutritional info. So here's the skinny per muffin: 116 calories, 1g fat, 4g fiber, 3.5g protein. Great to keep in the freezer and warm up for breakfast or snack.

Low-Fat Blueberry Bran Muffins (makes 12)

* 1 1/2 cups wheat bran (or oat bran)
* 1 cup nonfat milk (I used 1%)
* 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
* 1 egg
* 2/3 cup brown sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup blueberries (or any other fruit you like)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Grease muffin cups or use paper muffin liners.
3. Mix together wheat bran and milk, and let stand for 10 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, mix together applesauce, egg, brown sugar, and vanilla.
5. Beat in bran mixture.
6. Sift together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
7. Stir into bran mixture until just blended. Fold in blueberries.
8. Scoop into muffin cups.
9. Bake in preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until tops spring back when lightly tapped.