Sunday, January 4, 2015

Bran Muffins

Last night, I overheard Susan ask Dave, "What are your feelings about Bran muffins?" What?! Why would anyone make muffins from my friend Bran?

This is Bran. 
He is a dog–not a baked good!
He looks a lot like me. 
(Isn't he handsome?)

Dave replied, he did not care for bran muffins because they are dry. Susan looked determined, muttering about health benefits and whole grains. Happy new year, right?

The next morning, Susan did indeed make bran muffins and no dogs were harmed. Turns out bran muffins aren't dry. Could be the yogurt...the molasses...OK, likely the butter. Still, if you are looking for a tasty bran muffin, the guys say, "These muffins are better than expected."

Susan says to tell you this recipe is very forgiving. You can mix and match the oil/fat (or even reduce), swap out the flour (white, whole wheat...), choose your favorite fruit (raisins, figs, dates...), mix and match yogurt (original recipe called for sour cream).

Bran Cranberry Muffins
but I would rename them Fumble Muffins, to remind people to 
keep a loose grip when the dog is below.

Bran Cranberry Muffins

Adapted from Smitten Kitchen who adapted it from Gourmet, October 1991. Makes 12 muffins

1/2 stick (1/4 cup) butter, softened
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar (or less)
1 large egg, beaten lightly
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% Fage)
1/2 cup honey Greek yogurt (Greek Gods)
1/4 cup dark molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup dried cranberries, or other diced dried fruit (raisins, figs...)

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 cup bran
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, oil and the brown sugar. Beat in egg, yogurt, molasses, vanilla, and then stir in dried fruit.

In a small bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and bran. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, and stir the batter until it is just combined. (The batter will be lumpy.) Spoon the batter into 12 muffin tins, lined with paper cups or well-greased. Bake muffins on center rack of a well-preheated oven at 400°F. oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are springy or toothpick comes out clean. Cool, then eat them over the dog and fumble.

Bran muffins