Yummy Bran & Flax Muffins

Lightly sweet and heart healthy. Uses oat bran and flax seeds which are high in omega-3 fatty acids. This recipe is an adaptation of one we found on the University of Virginia Cancer Center website. This version adds heart healthy oat bran plus a few other yummy things like vanilla and orange peel. Diabetics could substitute the brown sugar for splenda & brown sugar mix.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 3⁄4 cup  oat bran
• 1⁄4 cup ground flax seeds
• 2 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3⁄4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 2  large eggs
• 2  tablespoons olive oil or 2  tablespoons canola oil
• 1  cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1⁄2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2  teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2  teaspoons  dried orange peel
• 1⁄4 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1⁄2 cup golden raisins or 1⁄2 cup  other dried fruit

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Line muffin pan with paper liners (12) or coat the muffin tins lightly with cooking spray.
3. In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients and set aside.
4. Beat the applesauce, eggs, oil, brown sugar, vanilla and orange peel with a fork until well mixed. Note: the liquid ingredients will all fit in a 2c measuring cup with enough room to mix them together.
5. Pour into dry ingredients and mix by hand being careful not to over mix.
6. Fold in nuts and dried fruit.
7. Spoon batter into muffin cups and if desired, sprinkle with a bit of oatmeal flakes.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes before placing on a cooling rack.
10. Freezes well if placed in a zip lock bag. Just microwave 15-30 seconds to reheat.