There are two kinds of muffins for the moms to enjoy, one low fat and the other chocolate. I always prefer mini muffins when there are other good things to eat. No one wants to fill up on muffins even though these are delicious.
Lowfat Applesauce Muffins
These are made with whole wheat flour and are quite healthy but that hasn’t dampened their great flavor.
1/3 cup safflower oil
½ cup honey
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 large eggs
2 ¼ cups whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground allspice
1 ½ cup dried cranberries, dried cherries or raisins
Preheat oven to 400º. Grease muffin cups, mini or regular, or use paper liners.
In a medium bowl whisk together the oil, honey, applesauce and eggs. In another bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon, ginger and allspice. Stir in the applesauce mixture with a wooden spoon just until combined. Add cranberries.
Spoon batter into muffin cups, mounding slightly. Bake for 10-12 minutes for mini muffins or 20-22 minutes for full size muffins. Allow to cool in pan for 5 minutes before removing.
Chocolate Buttermilk Muffins
Triple chocolate goodness!
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate
6 tablespoons butter
½ cup buttermilk
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
¾ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2/3 cup dried cherries
Preheat oven to 400º. Grease muffin cups, mini or regular, or use paper liners. In the bowl of a mixer, beat the egg, vanilla and sugar until light. Dissolve the baking soda in ¼ cup boiling water and add to the egg mixture, along with the chocolate. Mix until well combined. Add the flour, cocoa, and baking powder and mix just until incorporated. Stir in the chocolate chips and cherries.
Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cups and fill to the rim. Bake for 10-12 minutes for mini muffins or 15-18 for full size muffins. Allow the muffins to cool for 5 minutes before removing.
