Recipe: Apples and Spice Muffins

Muffins have gotten a bad rap…many of them rightfully so! If you check out the nutritional information provided by many coffee shops, their muffins are filled with sugar, fat and are low in nutrients. Terms such as ‘multigrain’ mislead people into thinking they are making a healthier choice with a muffin than, say, a doughnut (note that there is no reference to whether those grains are whole or refined, processed and stripped of most of their nutrients...sneaky!).

“If we're not willing to settle for junk living, we certainly shouldn't settle for junk food.” ~ Sally Edwards

I still believe that a muffin can be a great breaky on the go. When homemade, they are a pre-portioned, nutrient packed, and flavourful form of nourishment.

Below I am sharing one of my faves (a heavily modified compilation from many sources). The raisins add iron and antioxidant protection and the warming spices included help improve digestion and absorption of food…a great, soothing wake up to your digestive fire on cold mornings! Hope you enjoy…

Apples and Spice Muffins ~ makes 12 muffins

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or spray lightly with oil. In medium bowl beat:

* 1 large egg

Then mix in with a whisk until dissolved into egg:

* ¼ cup packed light brown sugar or Sucanat

Add and whisk until smooth:

* 2 tbsp. canola oil

* 1 cup soy milk OR skim milk

In large bowl, mix together:

* ¾ cup whole-wheat flour

* ¾ cup spelt flour

* ½ cup oat bran

* 2 tsp. baking powder

* 1 ½ tsp. ground cinnamon

* 1 tsp. ground ginger

* ¼ tsp. ground allspice

* ¼ tsp. nutmeg

* ¼ tsp. ground cloves

Gradually add milk mixture to flour mixture, combining until a smooth batter forms. Stir in:

* 1 ½ cups (about 1 large) peeled, cored, finely diced apple – granny smith is my favorite for this recipe

* ¼ cup raisins

Divide batter into prepared muffin tin. Bake until muffins are golden brown, spring back when tapped with finger, and are pulling away from edges of muffin tin (approximately 25 minutes). Keep in tin to cool on wire rack 5 minutes. Then take the muffins out of the tin and put directly onto wire rack to cool completely.

*Food Facts* Oat bran is the outermost shell of the oat kernel. It has a nutty flavour, and is high in soluble fiber and omega essential fatty acids. It also contains protein, B complex vitamins, and minerals.