• Recipes,  Something Sweet

    Orange Date Oat Bran Muffins

    I had some extra dried dates around (see Pan-Latin Picadillo), so I decided to put them to good use by creating a healthy oat bran muffin recipe that features this delicious dried fruit. I love dates for a special reason. They remind me of my unforgettable trip to Istanbul last summer, where bazaars overflowed with hundreds of plump dried figs, apricots and dates around every corner of the city. For this recipe, I used oat bran and whole wheat flour as a base and Greek yogurt and applesauce as a substitute for oil. The finishing touch is the addition of freshly grated orange rind and, of course, chopped dried dates for a Middle Eastern-inspired health muffin. 

  • Recipes,  Something Sweet

    Chocolate Chip Banana Bites

    If you are looking for the perfect home-baked, bite-sized, sweet snack, you are in luck with these adorable Chocolate Chip Banana Bites. This is actually a Weight Watchers recipe that I tweaked and modified just a bit. Made in mini muffin pans, these banana bites are low in fat since they do not contain any oil or butter. The mashed ripe bananas provide moistness and bind the muffins together along with vanilla yogurt and oats for texture. The addition of mini chocolate chips makes you really feel like you are indulging, but without the guilt. Enjoy! 

  • Recipes,  Something Sweet

    Healthy Chunky Banana Bran Muffins

    There is nothing better than a healthy, hearty bran muffin so I set out to create one full of sweet, chunky bananas. With the addition of nonfat Greek yogurt, I was able to reduce the amount of oil in the recipe and still maintain the moistness and texture of a traditional bran muffin. For lots of fiber and healthy grains, I added wheat bran and wheat germ, along with a combination of light brown sugar and molasses for sweetness. A teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest adds a subtle citrus twist. Most banana muffin recipes call for small, diced pieces of banana that pretty much blend in, but I wanted these muffins to be chunky, so I cut the bananas slices thick. Once baked and cooled, you will have a dozen golden brown bran muffins, chock full of distinct bananas and chewy grains. Enjoy!

  • Recipes,  Something Sweet

    Apple Bran Muffins

    Continuing with the apple theme, I set out to make hearty apple bran muffins. I love bran muffins in general so I was excited to try making them with fresh-picked apples. For this recipe I used both shredded apple and small apple chunks, which bring a lot of texture and moistness to the muffins. With the addition of flaxseed meal (you can substitute toasted wheat germ as well), these muffins are full of fiber and make the perfect healthy snack. Try them warm with a little whipped butter… heavenly!

  • Recipes,  Something Sweet

    Healthy Multigrain Pumpkin Muffins

    I am always on the lookout for delicious pumpkin recipes that are not only tasty, but healthy as well. I found an amazing recipe for low-fat pumpkin muffins created by one of my fave baking blogs, Love From The Oven. Full of whole wheat flour, flaxseed meal and oat bran, these muffins are bursting with fiber and have the hearty, nutty texture of multigrain muffins. With the addition of pumpkin, applesauce and a hefty dose of pumpkin pie spice, these muffins are truly a delight. They have a moist center and that perfect crunchy top that everyone loves – and no oil or butter. While you are baking, your kitchen will be filled with the delicious smell of fall. Enjoy with a small dab of honey butter or with nothing at all. The recipe is after the jump… check it out!

  • Recipes,  Something Sweet

    Six Week “Baptist” Bran Muffins

    Love the taste of freshly baked, homemade, hot bran muffins every morning? I have found a recipe to make this happen. With this delicious and healthy recipe, you are able to make the muffin mix and keep the batter in the refrigerator for up to six weeks so you can bake the muffins as you wish! Frequently called “Baptist Muffins” or “Six Week Muffins,” this full-of-fiber recipe includes 2 popular types of cereal, Grape Nuts and Shredded Wheat, as well as buttermilk and a selection of your favorite sweet mix-ins to create a deliciously chewy, hearty muffin with a moist inside and textured top.

  • Recipes,  Something Sweet

    Low-Sugar and Whole Wheat Zucchini Muffins with Pecans

    I just finished a batch of healthy and delicious whole wheat zucchini muffins. I found this recipe on one of my favorite cooking blogs, Kalyn’s Kitchen, and I just had to try it out for myself! Because it calls for Splenda and agave in place of regular sugar, these muffins are low-sugar and perfect for those who are watching their carbs, but refuse to sacrifice flavor. The addition of chopped pecans makes for a hearty and crunchy texture. Perfect for breakfast or a snack anytime of day. Enjoy!!

  • Most Popular,  Recipes,  Something Sweet

    To Die For Blueberry Muffins

    Everyone loves blueberry muffins. I am thrilled to share a recipe I received from my grandmother’s dear friend and neighbor for the most fluffy and moist blueberry muffins ever. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or an anytime-of-day pick me-up, these easy-to-make muffins are the only recipe you’ll ever need. Bursting with blueberries, light, tender, and boasting a perfectly crunchy cinnamon and sugar top and moist inside, these muffins have the perfect amount of sweetness and rise beautifully. I highly recommend using paper liners in your muffin pan so you don’t lose any precious blueberries in the pan. Check out my recipe below. Enjoy!!