Harvest Muffins

This time of year my inner baking beast goes wild, baking delicious cakes and cookies almost everyday. So it is no coincidence that this is also the time of year that my darling husband decides after about a week that it is time for him to start watching what he eats. A baked goods boycott ensues and of course it only makes me want to bake more, I'm such a considerate wife huh? So every year I start trying to figure out ways to bake healthier goodies. This has to be of of my absolute favorite recipes that has come out it. I prefer to use all high quality mostly organic ingredients for the best nutritional value.

Harvest Muffins

1 C. Oats
1 c. Whole wheat all purpose flour
1/2 c. multi grain hot cereal mix (it is loaded with all sorts of goodies like ground flax, oat bran, wheat germ and so on)
1/2 c. brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 c. Yogurt
1/2 tsp salt
2 tablespoons butter room temp
2 eggs
1 tbsp. real vanilla extract

Optional tasty add ins:
1 medium size grated apple
1 grated carrot
2 smashed ripe bananas
sweetened flake coconut
1/3 c. cranberries
1/3 c. chopped pecans
you could also substitute pureed pumpkin for the banana

Optional tasty spices:
1 tsp. Cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ginger powder
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. allspice
1/4 tsp. clove

preheat oven to 400 degrees

Mix flour, oats, hot cereal mix, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices in bowl of stand mixer, add in grated apple, carrot, coconut,cranberries and pecans and mix until combined. add room temp butter and mix until just combined

in another bowl mash bananas, eggs, yogurt and vanilla together until smooth add to dry ingredient/fruit mix and beat until just combined, mixture WILL be lumpy, that's a good thing.

Divide evenly into muffin pans and top with mixture of b. sugar, cinnamon and oats sprinkle on top of muffins and bake for around 18-25 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.

I like to make a bunch or these and pop most of them into the freezer for busy mornings. Enjoy!

Peace is a warm muffin