Bran Muffins

Like many Americans, we are currently trying to reduce our cholesterol levels. OK, technically, reducing the HDL levels while maintaining the LDL levels, but I don't want to get into the technical details of our blood chemistry situation here.
This week's healthy recipe find is a modified recipe from The 8-week Cholesterol Cure (Robert E. Kowalski, 1989).  It's also found on the side of the package of Bran Cereal - which I would never have known about or purchased, if it weren't for this book.  I thank Mr. Kowalski for sharing information on this very palatable way to eat healthy, lose weight, and stay off the dreaded medications.
I have found that the dry ingredients fit perfectly in a quart sized mason jar - perfect for gift basket ideas.

My own adaptation for the recommended Bran Muffins:

Apple Cinnamon Bran Muffins

Set oven to 425 degrees. Find the muffin tin, and add 12 muffin papers.  In a mixing bowl, combine:

• 2-1/4 cup bran cereal
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1-1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 Tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup raisins

Stir this dry mix together in a mixing bowl.  Add these wet ingredients to the top:

• 1 cup apple cider [you can substitute other fruit juices, or a mix of fruit concentrate and milk]
• 2 eggs (you can omit the yolks if you are so inclined)
• 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil

Using a Fork, mix up the wet ingredients, then stir the wet into the dry mix until well mixed. Add:

• 1 apple, peeled and chopped into bits

Bake at 425 for about 17 minutes.  These are delicious warm right out of the oven, and just as good right out of your lunch bag on a rushed weekday.  Muffins are a little crumbly, but wonderfully gluten free and oh-so-good-for-you.  A happy indulgence.  Enjoy.