August 28, 2008

Rise and Shine Muffins

I found this recipe online at one of my favorite sites but tweaked it a bit to add more flavor and texture to my liking because I love the combination of cinnamon and fruit. (you can find the original recipe called Low-Fat Bran-Pineapple Muffins at http://www.cookiemadness.net/) Although these muffins are geared towards the more healthy side, they still have a good chewy texture that aren't too dry.



Rise and Shine Muffins


1 1/4 Cups almond milk (or skim milk for a different taste)
1 1/2 Cups wheat bran
1/2 Cups packed brown sugar
1 8oz Can of crushed pineapples (undrained)
1 Cup shredded carrot
1/2 Cups raisins
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large egg whites
1 1/2 Cups whole wheat pastry flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon

1) Combine milk, wheat bran, brown sugar, carrots, pineapples, raisins, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl and let sit for 15min
2) Meanwhile, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl and mix well
3) Preheat oven to 350F and line muffin tins with paper line and spray with Pam*
4) After 15min beat eggs into milk mixture with a wooden mixing spoon
5) Then add flour mixture to milk mixture and stir until just incorporated
6) Divide batter evenly into muffin tins and bake for 18-20min (muffins should appear golden on top and toothpick comes out clean)
7) Cool muffins on rack until cool and remove from tin ( I store my muffins in the freezer and microwave them in the mornings for breakfast)

*If you have empty muffin tins because of not enough batter, fill remaining tins with water so all of the muffins will cook evenly

Healthy Oat Granola Bars

I've been on the hunt to find a healthy granola bar that tastes great as well, so I created this recipe from a bunch of other granola bar recipes that I have collected over the past. I was looking for something that had little sugar, tasted great but was also health conscious as well. I think it has a good chewy consistency and a good nutty to chocolaty ratio. I wrapped them up individually and took them on our camping trip and everyone enjoyed them.





Healthy Oat Granola Bars

1 1/2 Cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 1/2 Cups of oats
1/4 Cup oat bran
1/4 Cup chopped almonds
1/2 Cup honey
1/2 Cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 Cup mini chocolate chips


1) Line and grease an 8in. baking pan
2) Combine cereal, oats, oat bran, and almonds in a large mixing bowl
3) Meanwhile, bring honey to a boil over medium heat while continually stirring
4) Remove from heat and add peanut butter and vanilla and stir until well combined
5) Pour honey mixture over cereal mixture and mix until everything is evenly coated
6) Stir in mini chocolate chips
7) Transfer to baking sheet and press down into pan (I use a potato masher to press ingredients firmly into the pan)
8) Chill in fridge until hard and then cut into bars and enjoy!