Granny Smith Apple-raisin Chunky Yummy Muffins

This is my absolute favorite recipe for muffins because they are healthy, yet sweet, and have lots of substance. Definitely an oatmeal kind of stick-to-your-ribs breakfast (or snack). I usually make a double batch and keep them in the fridge in a big ziplock bag for whenever the urge hits anyone. My little brother's girlfriend can't wait till I make them again.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 15-18

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups  Raisin Bran cereal (extra raisin kind is even better or just add more raisins if you want)
• 1  cup milk (I use lowfat, of course)
• 1⁄4 cup canola oil
• 2  large eggs, slightly beaten
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1⁄2 cups  finely chopped peeled granny smith apples (about 2 small)
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped walnuts (optional) or 1⁄2 cup pecans (optional)
• 2 1⁄2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 3⁄4 cup sugar
• 2 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄8 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 farenheit.
2. Spray regular-size muffin tins w/ nonstick spray.
3. Combine raisin bran, milk, oil, eggs, & vanilla and let stand 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda & cinnamon.
5. Stir cereal mixture to even and add all at once to flour mixture; stirring just till moistened.
6. Spoon evenly into prepared tins.
7. Bake 16-18 minutes for regular size or 10-12 minutes for mini muffins.
8. Test with toothpick inserted in center of muffin, when clean, they're done.
9. Remove muffins from tins and place in big bowl lined w/ towel for serving or in ziplock after cooling.