Apple Walnut Cranberry Muffins

One of the things that I enjoy most about this recipe is how the flavor of the spices, tartness of the cranberries and the crunchiness of the walnuts come together to create these healthy, low-fat and tasty muffins. I decided to make bake these one morning for the wonderful nursing and admin staff at one of the homeless shelters where I see patients. They all work so hard and take such good care of our special population of patients that I wanted to show them how much their efforts were appreciated. Like me, several of the nurses have a giant sweet tooth! The use of applesauce provides a moist texture and a healthier alternative to butter or margarine; minimal use of oil in this recipe. Cranberries are a source of dietary fiber, antioxidants and manganese; while walnuts contain healthy unsaturated fats, as well as protein and many minerals. Serve these tasty muffins with tea or coffee, or with a glass of milk. Hope you enjoy them!

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• 1 egg
• 1 egg white
• ½ cup skim milk
• 2 teaspoon canola/corn/safflower oil
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• ½ cup dried cranberries

Topping (optional):

• 2 tablespoons of raw turbinado sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon of multi-colored sprinkles

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Place paper liners in muffin pan; may also coat with cooking spray.
3. Mix flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice in a large bowl.
4. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the egg and egg white. Then mix in the skim milk, oil, brown sugar and applesauce.
5. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ones using a spatula.
6. Once mixed, fold in the walnuts and cranberries.
7. Spoon the batter into each muffin cup until about ¾ full.
8. Mix topping ingredients, and sprinkle above muffins.
9. Bake ~20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. ENJOY!

© Spices for Life MD 2013