Healthy boost for baking

Since I love to bake (and eat) soooo much, I need to try to prevent the sugary consequences of a brownie in my belly. To do so, I like to mix up my breakfasts. This week I turned to my stack of magazines for help. I baked one of my favorite healthier muffins, which are delicious yet part of a balanced morning meal. With a glass of milk and a piece of fruit, one muffin makes for a hearty, quick breakfast! Here's the recipe:

Healthy Apple Streusel Muffins

(From Fitness Magazine)

Makes: 12 muffins
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 18 minutes

Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon apple pie spice
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup low-fat buttermilk
2 tablespoons canola oil
3/4 cup shredded apple with skin
2 tablespoons chopped pecans
1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds
1 tablespoon butter

Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Lightly coat twelve 2-1/2-inch muffin cups with cooking spray; set aside. In a large bowl, stir together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, baking powder, apple pie spice, and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture; set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, lightly beat eggs with a fork; stir in buttermilk and oil. Add egg mixture all at once to flour mixture; stir until moistened (batter should be lumpy). Fold in apple. Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters of the way.
3. In a small bowl, combine pecans, flaxseeds, and remaining brown sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Spoon pecan mixture on top of muffin batter.
4. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in muffin cups on a wire rack 5 minutes; remove from cups.

Nutrition facts per muffin: 163 calories, 4g protein, 25g carbohydrate, 6g fat (1g saturated), 2g fiber

Healthy Baking Tips

Peel Deal: "The apple's skin packs extra fiber and antioxidants," says Kim Galeaz, RD, a culinary dietitian in Indianapolis.

Sweet Secret: Pecans and flaxseeds give the yummy cinnamon-streusel topping a heart-healthy, protein-packed crunch.

Dairy Lean: Buttermilk has a thick, creamy texture that's perfect for baking, even the low-fat kind, Galeaz says.

Oil Change: We slashed fat, not flavor, by using just two tablespoons of oil. Some recipes call for four times that much!


Can't wait to hear how yours go! Happy baking!