Fig Bran Muffins

These bran muffins are moist and delicious.

1 1/2 cups bran cereal (All-Bran)
1 cup low-fat milk
1 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
1 TBS baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup natural applesauce
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup canola oil
2 TBS unsulfured molasses
1 large egg, beaten lightly
1 cup chopped dried figs, plus 2 whole dried figs, thinly sliced (you can also use dates)

Preheat oven to 400.  Coat a 12-capacity muffin pan with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine the cereal and milk.  Let sit until softened, about 5 minutes.  Meanwhile, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt in a separate bowl.

Add the applesauce, honey, oil, molasses and egg to the cereal mixture and stir until combined.  Add the flour mixture and stir until just combined.  Gently stir in the chopped figs (or dates).  Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and top each muffin with a fig slice.  Tap the pan on the counter a few times to remove any air bubbles.

Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.  Let cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes.  If necessary, run a knife around the muffins to loosen from the tin.  Unmold the muffins and cool completely on a rack.

Makes 12 muffins.

Source:  So Easy - Ellie Krieger

Kimberly