Healthier Banana Muffins

• 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour

• ¾ tsp. baking powder

• ¼ tsp. baking soda

• ½ tsp. salt

• 1 cup wheat bran, soaked in 1 cup buttermilk or sour cream

• 1 stick softened organic butter

• ¾ cup pure cane sugar or ½ cup Grade B maple syrup

• 1 tsp. grated orange zest

• 2 whole eggs, room temperature

• ½ tsp. vanilla extract

• 2 large banana, smashed

• 1 cup dried fruit (cranberries, blueberries, raisins, Craisins, etc.) or semi-sweet chocolate morsels

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 12 muffin cups. 
2. In a bowl, sift flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside. 
3. In a stand mixer or with a handheld mixer, beat oil (or butter) with sugar for 2 minutes. Add eggs one at a time. Add orange zest, vanilla and banana, then stir in soaked bran. Slowly add flour mixture being sure not to over mix. Gently fold in dried fruit. 
4. Scoop into muffin cups and bake 25 minutes. Refrigerate after cooled.

© 2008 Amanda Dalmath