Variations on the Basic Bran Muffin Recipe

Sure, a bran muffin is healthy, but it usually doesn't have a whole lot going for it in the taste department. That, however, doesn't have to be the case.

Bran muffins can taste as good as they are good for you. By adding a few key ingredients, you can transform the lowly and unexciting bran muffin into a delicious treat that any kid will be glad to eat, as long as you don't tell him it's healthy.

Lemony Buttermilk Bran Muffins
Ingredients You Will Need:
1 cup buttermilk
1 ½ cups wheat bran
�" cup canola oil
1 egg
¾ cup brown sugar
2 lemons, zested
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon salt

Combine the wheat bran with the buttermilk, and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Mix the canola oil, egg, sugar and lemon zest in another bowl until well combined. Sift the rest of the ingredients into the buttermilk mixture, and fold in the lemon zest mixture. Put muffin liners into a 12-muffin tin, and spoon the mixture evenly into each one. Bake in a 400 degree Fahrenheit oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Allow to cool before serving.

Fruit And Nut Maple Bran Muffins
Ingredients You Will Need:
2 cups yogurt
1 egg
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons canola oil
3 tablespoons maple syrup
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 ½ cups bran
1 ¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup raisins
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup chopped toasted pecans
½ cup slivered toasted almonds

Thoroughly combine the first five ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, bran, baking soda and salt. Add half of the dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir to combine. Add the other half and repeat. Fold in the fruits and nuts. Put muffin liners in a 12-muffin tin, and evenly spoon the mixture into them. Bake in a 400 degree Fahrenheit oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean. Let cool before serving.

Chocolate Chip Bran Muffins
Ingredients You Will Need:
2 cups yogurt
1 egg
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons canola oil
3 tablespoons honey
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 ½ cups bran
1 ¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup milk chocolate chips
½ cup white chocolate chips

Thoroughly combine the first five ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, bran, baking soda and salt. Add half of the dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir to combine. Add the other half and repeat. Fold in the chocolate chips. Put muffin liners in a 12-muffin tin, and evenly spoon the mixture into them. Bake in a 400 degree Fahrenheit oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean. Let cool before serving.