Home ยป Moist Bran Muffins

Moist Bran Muffins

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If I ate oatmeal every morning, I would probably sprinkle some wheat bran on top — it’s low in calories and packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. But, I don’t eat oatmeal every morning…because that would require 1) being hungry really early and 2) making and eating breakfast at home each day.

I am not hungry first thing in the morning (coffee…lots of coffee, then food), nor do I make or eat breakfast at home on a regular basis.

branmuffin1When I came across this recipe for bran muffins that included that hearty, nutrient-packed wheat bran that likes to sit undisturbed in my fridge…I was immediately interested.

Then the recipe called for wheat flour, lowfat buttermilk, and dried fruit. Orange juice and canola oil, too. Muffin magic was bound to happen.

First, the wheat bran soaks in water. It softens and moistens the otherwise very, very dry wheat bran. The remaining wet ingredients only add to the flavor…freshly squeezed orange juice? Oh yes. And that canola oil? It adds omega 3 fatty acids and heart-healthy fat for some staying power.

These aren’t one of those muffins that will have you growling and on empty by 10am.

Oh no, no no.

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As for that oh-so-cute-I-just-wanna-pinch-her-cheeks-rolls bulldog of mine, I had to pick around the raisins very carefully in order to share these with her. Doggies aren’t supposed to have raisins.

In all seriousness, this is one winning recipe. I haven’t talked much about National Nutrition Month yet, but this year’s theme is “Get Your Plate In Shape”. Whether for a snack or breakfast, these muffins are one nutritious choice to make in honor of nutrition!

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Moist Bran Muffins from the King Arthur Flour’s Whole Grain Baking, as seen on The Way the Cookie Crumbles

3/4 cup boiling water
1 1/4 cups unprocessed wheat bran, divided
3/4 cup dried fruit (I used half golden raising and half dried cranberries)
3/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
1/4 cup canola oil
2 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 large egg
3/4 cup low-fat buttermilk
1/2 cup orange juice

Directions:

Pour boiling water over 3/4 cup of the bran cereal in a small mixing bowl. Add the raisins, brown sugar, and oil.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

In a small bowl, beat the egg with the buttermilk and orange juice. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir in remaining 1/2 cup bran cereal, and then the bran-raisin mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight.

The next day(or two later) , preheat the oven to 375 F. Lightly grease a muffin tin or line with muffin liners. Fill each cup three-fourths full. Bake the muffin until a tester comes out clean, about 23 to 26 minutes.

Remove from oven and allow to cool in pan for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to finish cooling, or serve warm.

Yield: 17 large muffins

Nutrition Information (per serving): 164 calories; 4.2 g. fat; 13 mg. cholesterol; 235 mg. sodium; 30.2 g. carbohydrate; 3.8 g. fiber; 1.5 g. protein

Result: Moist and slightly sweet, a healthy breakfast muffin doesn’t get much better than this. These muffins are packed with fiber, fruit, and healthy fats that will please anyone of any age. You can freeze for later use, but you may have trouble keeping these around! I loved pairing one of these with a Greek yogurt (I’ve been loving Chobani’s new nonfat flavors, especially blood orange) and a piece of fruit. Perfect for busy, healthy people on the go…enjoy!

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With the quarter finishing up next week, this week is zooming by. After next Monday I will no longer be leaving my clinic mid-morning to go teach and life should get a little less hectic!

P.S. Random, but true…I just added my blog to my resume. Any thoughts on this? Kinda curious as to see what others think!

Be well,

Share With Your Friends!

26 Comments

  1. thehealthyapron
    March 7, 2012 / 8:30 am

    Ooo will be tweeting these muffins! I’ve never been MUCH of a muffin person but these would make a GREAT preggo snack!

    ps. my blog has been on my resume for awhile and it has helped catch eyes tremendously! As long as you keep your blog professional, I think it can only help you and show how motivated you are to eucate about nutrition!! I say, It’s a MUST!

  2. Andrea
    March 7, 2012 / 8:41 am

    These look great- I love that there’s OJ in there! I think adding your blog to your resume is a great idea- shows that you not only know your stuff, but that you are living it and sharing it with others in a creative way! Good luck out there!

  3. Amy B @ Second City Randomness
    March 7, 2012 / 8:46 am

    I think we’re opposite when it comes to breakfast- I’m thinking about it as soon as I wake up! Something that really makes me weird- most people comment about how they never feel like eating until later on in the day!

  4. Liz
    March 7, 2012 / 9:17 am

    Oh, these look fantastic!!! I make bran muffins all the time and would love to try a new recipe ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. Samantha Angela
    March 7, 2012 / 9:31 am

    I make oatmeal at work all the time. I just bring the dry oats (quick cooking, no time for the steel-cut stuff) with the mix-ins in a glass container, pour boiling water on top, then cover and let sit for a few minutes.
    It helps that we have a kettle in our lunch room.

    Also, why wouldn’t you put this killer blog on your resume? I’d hire you based on your blog alone. It shows your general awesomeness.

  6. Stacey
    March 7, 2012 / 9:58 am

    These look wonderful!! A question…what size muffin tin did you use…normal or large?

    • Nicole, RD
      Author
      March 10, 2012 / 11:25 am

      Stacey! I just had an epiphany — that I never answered your question. Sorry! It was a normal size muffin tin. ๐Ÿ™‚

  7. Kate
    March 7, 2012 / 10:10 am

    we’re definitely on the same page this week

  8. Anne Marie@New Weigh of Life
    March 7, 2012 / 10:44 am

    I think it’s awesome that you added your blog to your resume. Good for you!

  9. Kristen (swanky dietitian)
    March 7, 2012 / 11:03 am

    These look just incredible!!!
    I think your blog is a great idea for your resume. I don’t have mine on there,but I know many companies now a days love that you have blogging experience. ๐Ÿ™‚

  10. The Healthy Hostess
    March 7, 2012 / 11:19 am

    These look amazing! My almost 2 year old will love them too! I love the packability!

  11. Jessy
    March 7, 2012 / 12:39 pm

    These look awesome! What are the chances I could swap out bran flakes that have been pulsed up for the wheat bran? I have been trying to get rid of this box forever! Any thoughts?

  12. Anna @ On Anna's Plate
    March 7, 2012 / 1:58 pm

    Mmmmm…I need to make these. I’m a HUGE bran muffin fan, but Ryan is not…but I’m convinced that he just hasn’t tried the right muffin!!

  13. Heidi @ Food Doodles
    March 7, 2012 / 2:16 pm

    OK, these look so awesome. I’ve been searching for an actually healthy bran muffin recipe but I wasn’t having much luck. I’m curious, by unprocessed bran, you just mean the plain bran that’s in it’s natural little flake form, right? I’m just kind of confused because most bran recipes call for some kind of bran fiber cereal, which I never have. If it’s just plain bran, I’m totally making these some time this week. I’ve been craving a good bran muffin ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Heidi @ Food Doodles
      March 7, 2012 / 2:18 pm

      Oh, and I forgot to mention, I think it’s such an awesome idea that you put your blog on your resume!!

  14. Bridget
    March 7, 2012 / 4:51 pm

    Aren’t these the best?! They’re so good that I honestly consider their healthfulness just a bonus.

    My blog isn’t on my resume, but I don’t necessarily think it’s a bad idea. It shows commitment, writing ability, and a drive to do something well.

  15. Pingback: Moist Bran Muffins | Prevention RD | Organic Rapeseed Oil
  16. Rhonda (@diningalone)
    March 7, 2012 / 9:18 pm

    I am just like you in that I do not like to eat as soon as I get up, I need my coffee and I need to get moving first. These look simple enough even for someone who cannot bake well like me.

  17. Roz@weightingfor50
    March 8, 2012 / 12:40 am

    These look so good Nicole. And I LOVE the colored papers. Yay you for putting your blog on your resume. I think it’s perfect for you, you are professional yet approachable and you give great info and recipes that balance health and healthy indulgences. Have a great Thursday.

  18. eatingRD
    March 9, 2012 / 12:54 am

    These look nice and moist! I think adding your blog is a great idea especially because you ROCK at it! I actually mentioned my blog in my last interview and it went really well ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Nicole, RD
      Author
      March 9, 2012 / 7:28 am

      Thank you, Kristen! ๐Ÿ™‚ I’m glad to hear you had good feedback after mentioning your blog in an interview. I don’t know why, but it doesn’t come natural to me to promote mine! Have a great weekend!

  19. Pingback: Moist Bran Muffins | Organic Rapeseed Oil
  20. Aria
    March 11, 2012 / 2:15 pm

    Love your new logo!!!

  21. Caroline @ chocolate & carrots
    March 12, 2012 / 3:31 pm

    Yum! I can’t tell you how much I love a good bran muffin. This looks incredible! ๐Ÿ˜€

  22. Rory (Enjoy Life)
    March 15, 2012 / 12:49 pm

    Very interesting combination with the buttermilk, dried fruit and orange juice.
    Looks good!

  23. Pingback: Muffins

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