Healthy Apple Muffins

Once a week or so I like to make muffins for breakfast.  So when I came across this recipe here I was excited to try them.  They were a hit with the whole family and I will definitely be making them again.

Healthy Apple Muffins

• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil (I used coconut oil)
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2/3 cup honey 
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup rolled oats {quick or old fashioned} + 3 tbsp for topping
• 1 1/4 cup crushed bran cereal
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (I used one cup wheat and half a cup white)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled and coarsely grated 
• 1 tbsp brown sugar 
 

• Preheat the oven to 350F and line your muffin tin with paper liners
• Mix the eggs, oil, milk, honey, yogurt, and vanilla together in a large mixing bowl until well blended.  Add 1 cup of the rolled oats and the crushed bran.  Let soak for 10 minutes.
• In another bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.  Add the wet ingredients in and mix until blended {the batter will be quite thick}.  Stir in the grated apple.
• Scoop the batter into the muffin tin and fill up almost to the top {they rise very little}.  
• Mix brown sugar and the remaining oats together and sprinkle on top.
• Bake for approximately 15 minutes {until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin comes out clean}.  Makes 16.

Whole Wheat Zucchini Bread (or Muffins)

We've been harvesting zucchini from the garden and that means it's time to make zucchini bread!  I came across a new recipe from 100 Days of Real Food that only uses honey and no sugar.  I decided to give it a try and was pleasantly surprised! 

One little tip: I've found that any baked good with whole wheat flour tastes better (lighter, fluffier) if I grind the wheat and use it immediately instead of using pre-ground wheat... even if it's only been sitting in my fridge for a few days.

Whole Wheat Zucchini Bread (of Muffins)

3 cups whole wheat flour
1 Tbsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3 eggs
3/4 cup coconut oil (liquified)
1/2 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups grated zucchini
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F for small loaf pans or 325 degrees F for large loaf pan or muffins.
2. Blend the dry ingredients.
3. Make a well (or hole) in the center and pour in the eggs, oil, honey and vanilla. Stir just until mixed – do not overmix.
4. Fold in the grated zucchini and chopped nuts if using. Pour batter into greased loaf pan(s) or muffin holders and bake until a toothpick comes clean in the top/center of the loaf or muffin.
   - If using smaller pans bake for 30 – 40 minutes.
   - For one larger loaf pan bake for 50 – 60 minutes.
   - For muffins bake for 15 - 20 minutes.