California Fig-Oat Bran Muffins

COOK TIME: 25 Min

Oats?they're all the rage, so here's a simple, delicious muffin that's also very, very healthy. It looks difficult 'cause there are a lot of ingredients, but they're simple ingredients and if you get them all ready first, then all you do is throw them together and mix. Don't tell anyone, but I still like to spread on a little butter.

What You'll Need

1 1/2 cup oat, whole wheat, or unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 cup oatmeal (rolled oats), regular or instant
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 cup bran flakes cereal
1/2 cup apple juice
3 tablespoons cholesterol-free egg substitute or 1 egg
1/2 cup low-fat milk
1 can (6 ounces) frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large banana, mashed
3/4 cup finely chopped dried California figs
2 tablespoons honey or 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

What to Do

Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a muffin pan with paper baking cups.
In a medium-sized bowl mix the flour, oatmeal, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder.
Combine the bran flakes and apple juice in a large bowl; stir well to moisten the flakes evenly. Add the egg substitute, milk, apple juice concentrate, oil, banana, figs, and honey. Mix well. Stir in the flour mixture and mix well. Spoon batter into muffin cups, distributing evenly.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center of muffins comes out clean.
Makes 12 muffins.