ThanksGiving Muffins

Cranberries are a traditional Thanksgiving favorite. The pleasing aroma of cranberries will be widespread this Thanksgiving! Try these incredible Cranberry and Pumpkin muffins for a heart snack all weekend! Not only are these tasty treats chock full of healthy vitamins and antioxidants, they're really easy to make! Share some of these low-fat treats with your Holiday guests this year!

Here is all you need:

2 cups flour - use whole wheat if you have it
1 cup brown sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon allspice
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 eggs
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
2 cups fresh or frozen chopped cranberries

And easy to prepare:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Sift together dry ingredients (flour through allspice) and set aside.

3. Beat oil, eggs, and pumpkin together until well blended.

4. Mix the pumpkin mixture to the dry ingredients all at once. Stir until moistened.

5. Add in chopped cranberries.

6. Spoon into paper lined muffin cups.

7. Bake at 400 degrees for 22 minutes.

Eating healthy foods is so easy this time of year. Enjoy your Thanksgiving Holiday with some easy and nutritious muffins!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Red White and Blue Muffins

Fresh fruit and berries are abundant during these warm Summer months. Or - you can usually find an assortment of healthy berries in the frozen food isle of your local store. The vitamins and antioxidants berries provide are good for your health. And they can add a wonderful flavor to any meal or snack.

Try these delightful blueberry muffins at your Fourth of July celebration or for a delicious treat anytime!

Here's all you'll need:

1 1/4 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup buttermilk, low-fat
2 Tablespoons melted margarine
1 slightly beaten egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup blueberries and coarsely chopped strawberries (or you can substitute your favorite fresh or frozen fruit or berries!)


Let's get cookin:

Use butter or PAM to grease your muffin tin.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir well until all ingredients are blended.

In another bowl, combine buttermilk, margarine, egg, and vanilla. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients - the flour and sugar mix from the prior step.

Using a large spoon, gently stir ingredients just until moist (don't over mix). Add the blueberries and chopped strawberries.

Stir gently (avoid over-mixing).

Spoon batter evenly into 9 muffin cups.

Bake at 400 for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Enjoy these nutritious little wonders with your friends and family this 4th of July or anytime! Enjoy eating healthy foods this Summer and year round!

Happy 4th!