Bran Muffins

In keeping with the health kick, I complemented my homemade granola making with some bran muffins. I had seen these on another blog a while ago, and filed them in the back of my mind to make them. The only problem was that they require wheat bran - and who has that on hand???

I finally remembered to pick some up on one of my rare Whole Foods Trips (I tend to overspend there so I limit my shopping trips - everything looks so GOOD!!). The recipe calls for toasting the bran - I ended up burning my first batch, so luckily I had another full two cups! Make sure you stir the bran every once in a while - burnt bran doesn't smell very nice.

I wonder who took that bite? These were gone in about two days. But they are good for you, right??? If you are feeling healthy, or just want to try a not so sweet, but still delicious muffin, give these a try!

(Please note the barbie-themed muffin liners. What a great find.)

Recipe by Nancy Silverton

2 cup (125g) wheat bran
1 cup, plus 1/2 cup (190g total) dark raisins
1 cup, plus 1/2 (370ml total) cup water
1/2 cup (120g) buttermilk or plain low- or non-fat yogurt
a few swipes of fresh orange zest (unsprayed)
1/2 cup (105g) packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup (125ml) vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 large egg white
1/2 cup (65g) flour
1/4 cup (35g) whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350F. Toast the wheat bran on a baking sheet for 6-8 minutes & STIR every once in a while (DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP UNLESS YOU WANT YOUR KITCHEN SMELLING OF BURNT WHEAT BRAN. not a good idea). Heat 1 cup raisins with 1/2 cup water - simmer for ten minutes until water is gone and puree raisins in blender or food processor. Mix together the toasted bran, yogurt or buttermilk, and 1 cup water. Then mix in the raising puree, orange zest and brown sugar. Stir in the oil, egg and egg white. Sift, or just throw in the flours, baking powder, baking soda and salt - stir until combined. Mix in remaining raisins. Spoon batter into muffin tins - almost to the top! Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until set.