Fruit Nut Harvest Muffins

SassiFras's Note:

While looking for a healthier muffin recipe, I came across this little gem. I found this recipe on the Care2 website @ http://www.care2.com/greenliving/fruit-nut-harvest-muffins.html Care2 says: There is so much whole-grain, high-fiber, anti-oxidant nourishment in every bite, and they hardly take any time at all to make: I can mix the batter while the water heats for tea, and bake them while I sip. Plus they freeze beautifully to enjoy on those rushed weekdays when the memory of a leisurely breakfast seems but a dream.

• Total Time: 20 mins
• Prep Time: 0 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 12

Yield: 12.0 muffins

• 1 cup rolled oat
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• ½ cup oat bran
• ½ cup brown sugar , organic
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups yogurt
• ½ cup butter , melted
• 2 eggs

Directions:

1. 1. Preheat oven to 400°F Combine oats, whole wheat flour, oat bran, brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda in a large bowl. Add optional add-ins.
2. 2. Whisk together the yogurt and eggs in a small bowl. Add melted butter, whisking to combine. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ones, being careful not to over mix (some lumps are fine).
3. 3. Divide batter evenly among 12 muffin cups (I use non-bleached muffin papers to save clean-up time). Bake 20 to 25 minutes, until muffins are golden and firm to the touch. Allow them to cool for a few minutes, then lift them out of the tin and enjoy.
4. Add-Ins (these are how you will make this recipe totally your own, unique, and completely delicious; just use whatever you prefer or have on hand). Choose at least one from each group.
5. Fruits: to total one cup.
6. 1/2 to 1 cup chopped fresh apple.
7. 1/2 to 1 cup chopped fresh pear.
8. 1/2 to 1 cup pumpkin puree.
9. 1/2 to 1 cup diced banana.
10. 1/2 to 1 cup dried cherries or cranberries.
11. 1/2 to 1 cup raisins, dark or golden, or currants.
12. 1/2 to 1 cup chopped dates.
13. Nuts and Seeds: to total 1/2 cup.
14. 1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, or cashews.
15. 1/4 to 1/2 cup sunflower seeds, raw or toasted.
16. 1/4 to 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds, raw or toasted.
17. 1/4 to 1/2 cup flax seeds.
18. 1/4 to 1/2 cup sesame or poppy seeds.
19. Spices:.
20. 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger, or 1 teaspoon ground.
21. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
22. 1 teaspoon ground allspice.
23. 1/2 teaspoon freshly-grated nutmeg.
24. Pinch ground cloves.