Carrot Raisin Muffins

1 cup raisins
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
optional spices: cloves, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, 1/4-1 tsp each, depending on how adventurous you are!
4 eggs
1/2 cup butter or coconut oil, melted
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 cups shredded carrots (really pack it in the measuring cup)

Put the raisins in a bowl and cover with warm water. Let them soak while you prepare your other ingredients. This will prevent them from burning while in the oven.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients. To save on washing dishes, make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the eggs and beat them gently. Add the oil and milk and mix all together until just moistened, then fold in the raisins and carrots. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full and bake at 350 degrees F for 20-22 minutes, until the muffins spring back when lightly touched.

Sugar Free Banana Bread (or Muffins)

Use dates instead of sugar to sweeten your banana bread!

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup pitted, chopped dates
3 eggs
6 large overripe bananas
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

If your dates are soft and squishy, you can use them as is, skipping to step 4. If they are hard, soak them for a bit in some hot tap water. Place chopped dates in a small bowl and cover them halfway up with hot water, placing a plate on top. Let them hang out in there while you get your other ingredients ready.

Whisk all your dry ingredients together, and mash the bananas.

Drain the water off your dates (don't worry about squeezing it out) and put them in a bowl with the butter.

Cream butter and dates together until thoroughly mixed. Add eggs and mix well. Mix in mashed bananas, then add the dry ingredients and stir until just moistened.

Fill muffin cups and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes. For banana bread, spread in a loaf pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. The bread freezes well, so I always double the recipe and pour into a 13x9 pan, cut into squares and freeze. The boys love it for breakfast!

Enjoy!

Banana Muffins

What better way to use overripe bananas
than in this super-easy recipe!

Ingredients:

4 large ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup white sugar
1 egg
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups (flour white or whole wheat)

Method:

Mix the mashed banana, sugar, egg and butter together. Set aside. In a separate bowl, mix together baking soda, baking powder, salt and flour. Mix wet and dry ingredients together. Pour into greased or silicone baking cup lined muffin tins, and bake in 350 degrees F oven for approximately 20 minutes.

Apple Bran Muffins

Ingredients:

1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 cup buttermilk (sub 1tsp lemon juice or vinegar and add milk until it reaches 1 cup)
1/3 cup butter, melted or 1/3 cup oil
3 tbsp molasses
1 cup natural wheat bran
3/4 cup wheat germ
1 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups finely chopped apple

Method:

• Combine first five ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
• Combine bran, flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a seperate bowl.
• Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
• Stir in apple.
• Spoon into 12 greased muffin cups. (I use silicone liners, no grease needed)
• Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-23 minutes, or until set.
  

Apple Pie Muffins

Ingredients

Topping
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Batter2 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tsp cinnamon
1 egg
1 cup buttermilk(or use 1 tsp vinegar in 1 cup milk)
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups diced apples

Directions

Topping-mix all together, until mixture forms crumbs.

Batter- Whisk together egg, buttermilk, butter, and vanilla.
Stir in sugar. Add apples and mix well. In a seperate bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Stir just until combined. Spoon into muffin cups. Sprinkle the topping over the muffins. Bake at 375 degrees F for 20 minutes or until firm to the touch.