[FrugalSue]

I've had this very generic recipe taped to the inside of my kitchen cupboard for years. I've found it to be a great way to incorporate healthy grains, fruit and nuts into my diet. It also makes it possible for me to do some healthy holiday baking for my family!

Lately I've substituted Splenda for other sweeteners and applesauce for oil, and the muffins still turn out tasty, especially if I use some moist additions such as fresh fruit or veggies.

You can also bake this recipe in the form of loaves instead of muffins. Whatever type of pan you use, be sure to spray some Pam or other no-calory baking spray in before filling.

Use your imagination! This recipe can morph into whole wheat banana bread, cranberry corn muffins, raisin rye bread, carrot pineapple muffins, savory Parmesan zucchini bread, cinnamon apple oatmeal muffins, date nut bread--whatever you want it to be!

Here's the recipe for a dozen muffins (or one or two loaves, depending on size of pans):

2 to 2-1/2 cups of grain
1 cup of milk
Up to 1/4 cup fat (try applesauce instead)
1 egg
Up to 1/2 cup sweetener (use a few packets of Splenda)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Up to 1-1/2 cups additions (fruit, nuts, herbs & spices, etc)

Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Muffins take about 15 to 18 minutes, loaves are slightly longer up to 30 minutes You can check loaves with a toothpick--ready if it comes out clean.

Enjoy!

Sue
Starting weight September 248
Current weight December 228