Apple Bran Muffins

Adding more fibre daily can have many benefits, it can or may help protect against many diseases such as diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure and heart disease. There are two types of fibre, insoluble and soluble. Insoluble fibre like, whole-grain breads, cereals, flax seeds, the skins of some fruit and vegetables, help to keep the bowels healthy. Soluble fibre like, fruits and vegetables, oatmeal, oat bran, beans, lentils and peas, may help reduce cholesterol and control blood sugar levels. If you are looking to increase your daily fibre than these apple bran muffins are moreish and you will forget just how fibrously healthy they are with every bite.  - JD  

Bran Muffins

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makes approximately 12 muffins

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1/2 cup unbleached all purpose flour

1/2 cup oatmeal flour

1 cup bran

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoons nutmeg

1 cup diced apples with skins, washed and cored

1 cup milk

Preheat oven to 375ºF and line a muffin tin with baking papers. 

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar, then add the eggs.

In a separate bowl, mix flour, oat flour, bran, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and the diced apples together. 

Add the flour mixture to the butter, sugar and egg mixture. Add the milk and gently stir until just combined.

Spoon muffin batter into prepared muffin tin and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

Bran Date Muffins

Increasing one's fibre is easy with this recipe. A healthy, delicate, melt in your mouth muffin.  

Bran Date Muffins

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makes approximately 12 muffins

1 1/2 cups (375ml) Natural Wheat Bran

1 cup (250ml) milk 

1/3 cup (80ml) vegetable oil

2/3 cup (160ml) brown sugar

1 egg, lightly beaten

1/2 teaspoon (2ml) vanilla

1 cup (250ml) all purpose flour

1 teaspoon (5ml) baking soda

1 teaspoon (5ml) baking powder

1/2 teaspoon (2ml) salt

3/4 cup (125ml) dried chopped dates

Preheat oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Line a muffin tin with baking papers or bakers silicone liners. 

In a large bowl, combine bran and milk; let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in the vegetable oil, brown sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and chopped dates. Add to the bran mixture and stir until just combined. Spoon the mixture into the lined muffin tin. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. 

Notes: you can add different fruit like dried cranberries, dried apricots or raisins.