Orange Bran Muffins

Delicious muffins hot out of the oven is a great way to start a weekend morning. These Orange Bran Muffins are fiber-rich, moist and delightful. Plus they are really easy to make, so easy that I can make them in my I-didn't-get-enough-sleep-last-night pre-caffeine haze (you know what I'm talking about).

If you have a toddler or young child like me, you should seriously consider investing in a mini-muffin tin. These little guys love to pop the pint-sized muffins in their mouths, and they make for a good on-the-go snack.

This is also a great recipe to make with your kids. My daughter loves to "make muffins with mama." Although we haven't quite learned the concept of no double-dipping in the batter yet.

INGREDIENTS

·       1 1/2 cups bran flakes crumbled

·       1 cup buttermilk

·       1/3 cup applesauce

·       1 egg

·       2/3 cup brown sugar

·       1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

·       1 cup all-purpose flour

·       1 teaspoon baking soda

·       1 teaspoon baking powder

·       1/2 teaspoon salt

·       2 teaspoons orange zest

·       1/2 cup raisins (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners.

2. Mix together bran flakes and buttermilk; let stand for 10 minutes.

3. Beat together applesauce, egg, sugar and vanilla and add to buttermilk/bran mixture. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Stir flour mixture into buttermilk mixture, until just blended. Fold in orange zest (and raisins) and spoon batter into prepared muffin tins.

4. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.