Use an entire 24 oz. package of muffin mix from the health food store, so that it is the best quality, without added sugar. Here are the ingredients found in the Oat Bran & Nut Muffin Mix from Bob’s Red Mill which we use: stone ground whole wheat flour, oat bran, rolled oats, non-fat dry milk, baking power, baking soda, dates and walnuts. Any good quality brand will work.
Do not follow the recipe on the package. Add the following:
One half cup of good oil, 2 eggs (just whites, if you wish), Liquid (water, undiluted frozen/thawed orange juice, milk, buttermilk, or other juices)
To sweeten include:
One half cup of molasses, honey or maple syrup (this may not be needed if you add a can of cranberries, blueberries or pumpkin)
Each time you bake you can add one or several of the following (2-4 cups) to change the texture and flavor of the muffins:
Chopped nuts, A little cornmeal, Kasha, Sunflower seeds, Wheat germ, Shredded coconut, Oat, wheat or rice bran, Orange rind, Grated lemon peel, Yogurt, Dry milk (boost calcium), Mashed bananas, Oat, wheat or rye flakes, Crushed pineapple, Cinnamon, or other spice, Applesauce, Pumpkin pie spice, Ginger, Cloves, Grated apples, Leftover breakfast cereals, Blueberries, Raisins, Currents, Chopped figs, Chopped prunes, Cherries, Peanut butter, Can of refried beans, Cooked pumpkin, Can of cranberry sauce,
Grated carrots, Apple juice concentrate.
Or anything you find in the refrigerator or cupboard you think might be good. Anything!!
Mix all wet ingredients separately, then mix together with dry ingredients, adding enough liquid of whatever kind you choose until you have a medium stiff batter that will fill to heaping paper muffin cups, placed in muffin tins. You can top your muffins before baking with sunflower seeds, nuts or whatever else you like. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes. After a time or two you should get the feel of your oven. Once baked, muffins can be frozen and taken out one at a time, or will keep in the refrigerator. Use your microwave to make them taste like they’re fresh out of the hot oven.
