Muffin Make-Over!

I will admit that I am a muffin LOVER! I could not live a life that didn't include these tasty little treats. But traditionally muffins are TERRIBLE for you because they are made with lots of oil, sugar and butter!!! Most store-bought and bakery muffins are actually worse for you than donuts! YES! They just hide behind the name "muffin" making you think they are healthy. But really they are just glorified pieces of cake! But WAIT don't give up hope! I love to re-create the muffin so they can be enjoyed on a regular basis in any diet! Today is the perfect baking day...rainy and cold! So here you go...your breakfast never had it so good!!

STRAWBERRY OAT MUFFINS

1 cup quick-cooking oats
1 cup low-fat buttermilk
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped fresh strawberries

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease and flour a muffin pan or use paper liners.

In a small bowl, combine oats and buttermilk, and let stand 5 minutes.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; set aside.

In a large bowl, beat together the egg, applesauce, brown sugar and vanilla. Blend in the oat-buttermilk mixture. Stir in the flour mixture, just until moistened. Fold in the strawberries.

Fill muffin cups 2/3 to 3/4 full. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Serves: 12

133 Calories; 1.2g Fat (0.4g saturated fat); 18mg Cholesterol; 310mg Sodium; 27.8g Carbohydrate; 2.2g Fiber; 15g Sugar; 3.7g Protein