I got back from Romania earlier this week (more about that later, I promise!). I usually come back from vacation feeling very inspired in the kitchen, but the food in Romania? Umm, not that great in my opinion….womp womp womp… I know, right? Bummer. I think it was pretty much personal preference. They eat so much pork (specifically sausage) in Romania, and guess what is one of my least favorite foods??? Yep, SAUSAGE (and pork in general)! But you know what I did enjoy on my trip? Slow, relaxing vacation breakfasts. Our hotel had quite a spread for breakfast. Yes, there was sausage but so many other options that I didn’t have to eat sausage for breakfast any morning…lol. I love breakfast, but when I’m working I usually grab something as I’m heading out the door and eat my breakfast in the car – a far cry from my relaxing vacation breakfasts! This week I decided to try prepping my breakfast the night before and getting up 10 minutes earlier – giving me time to actually sit down at the table and eat my muffin or sweet potato pancakes or overnight oats. And you know what? It’s been pretty great so far. I’d highly recommend. Of course, these muffins are the perfect grab and go breakfast too – whatever works for you ;). I actually ate 2 for dinner one night. I’m 30 now. There are no rules…ha! They are lightly sweet and the whole wheat and oats gives them a great hardy texture. Give them a try! The apple cinnamon combo is perfect for fall. Enjoy!
Whole Wheat Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup skim milk
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla
4 tbsp oil
1/3 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1-1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup raisins
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the oatmeal, applesauce, milk, egg, vanilla, oil and brown sugar.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and raisins.
4. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the applesauce mixture. Stir just until combined (don’t overmix!)
5. Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cups. Place in preheated oven. Immediately turn oven down to 375 degrees.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Don’t overbake or the muffins will be dry. Remove them to a cooling rack. Makes 12.
*adapted from Tastes Better From Scratch
Nutritional Info (per muffin, based on 12): 137 calories; 5.5 g fat; 19.8 g carbohydrates; 2.1 g fiber; 2.9 g protein.
