Wonderful (& easy) Bran Muffins

Last summer, in attempt to add more fiber and whole grains into our diet, I tried this recipe. Since, then I have been making these muffins every couple of weeks and tweaking them a bit each time. I think I am finally done tweaking & have created my perfect Bran Muffins. I wanted to share my version of the recipe with you.

What you need:
1 1/2 cups wheat bran (you can find wheat bran in the bulk food section of your grocery store)
1 cup buttermilk (sometimes I use vanilla yogurt, but I prefer the buttermilk)
1/3 cup applesauce
1/4 cup Flaxseed Meal *flaxseed can be used to replace eggs in many baking recipes by mixing with water. I add more flaxseed than needed to replace the egg because I like the flavor & health benefits flaxseed adds.

3 Tbsp water
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Mix the wheat bran, buttermilk, & flaxseed in large bowl. Let stand for 10 minutes.

Add applesauce, water, sugar & vanilla. Stir together til evenly mixed.

In small bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt & cinnamon.

Add dry ingredients to bran mixture. Stir until just blended.

Now comes the fun part... Stir in the extras. I have tried adding bananas, apples, raspberries, craisins, strawberries, nuts, blueberries, etc. BUT my favorite is my special orange cranberry variety. Start by adding half a bag of these:
Note: has to be the orange cranberry craisin for the extra yummy goodness.
And then add a heaping tablespoon of orange juice concentrate for a full orange flavor.

Scoop into cupcake pan- filling each less than half full. Bake for 18-20 minutes. Makes 2 dozen


I just can't stop eating these Orange Cranberry Bran Muffins. Yummy and good for you!