Morning Energy Muffins

If your family faces a rush in the morning, as does mine, eating a nutritious breakfast can often be a challenge. With everyone leaving at various times and heading to different locations quick, easy and nutritious fare is what I look for. These muffins can be made in advance and frozen. Just pop them into the microwave in the morning for an energizing and delicious start to your day.

Hands-On Time: 10 minutes
Ready In: 35-38 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins

1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup wheat germ
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups bran cereal
2/3 cup milk (low or no fat)
1 egg, slightly beaten
2/3 cup applesauce or pumpkin puree or 1 ripe mashed banana
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/3 cup raisins, chopped dried apricots or other dried fruit

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Prepare muffin tin with paper liners or cooking spray.
3. Combine flours, wheat germ, spices, salt, baking powder and bran cereal together. Set aside.
4. Mix milk, egg, applesauce (or mashed banana), brown sugar, and oil until well blended.
5. Add wet mixture to dry until just combined.
6. Stir in raisins or dried fruit. Divide batter into muffin cups and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.