Apple Baking

We went apple picking yesterday and so I have been trying to find yummy ways to cook the apples that are not too unhealthy for us. Here are two recipes that I tried tonight.

Bran Flax Muffins

I cannot believe how tasty these muffins are, especially considering how much healthy stuff they have in them.

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup ground flax seed
• 3/4 cup oat bran
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3/4 cup skim milk
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cups shredded carrots
• 2 apples, peeled, shredded
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1 cup chopped mixed nuts

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease muffin pan or line with paper muffin liners. In a large bowl, mix together flour, flax seed, oat bran, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Add the milk, eggs, vanilla and oil; mix until just blended. Stir in the carrots, apples, raisins and nuts. Fill prepared muffin cups 2/3 full with batter. Bake at 350 F (175 degrees C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Chunky Apple Bread

• 2/3 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup diced peeled apples
• 3/4 cup raisins
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans

DIRECTIONS

In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugars. Add eggs and orange juice; beat well. Combine flour, baking soda and salt; stir into creamed mixture. Stir in apple, raisins and pecans. Pour into a greased 9-in. x 5-in. x 3-in. loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 55-60 minutes or until bread tests done. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack.