Sneaky Nutrition - Hot Cereal Muffins

Well now, it's been a while hasn't it? Time for a Sneaky Nutrition post! Of all the posts I make, I think these are my favorite. First, I kind of like being sneaky with my family and encouraging that kind of behavior in others. Isn't it fun when we can do things for them and they don't even know it? It all gets ruined when we tell them something's good for them, you know.

There is no specific ingredient that I'm pushing this time, I just thought I'd share what I believe is my favorite muffin. I don't remember where I first got the recipe, so I can't give credit to anyone. I love these, particularly when I make a mixture of cottage cheese and cream cheese, add a little vanilla to the mixture, and spread that on the muffins. Yum-YUM. The rest of my family prefers them with peanut butter. It's not going to be necessary for me to tell you all the reasons why these muffins are nutritious. You'll be able to figure it out yourself. I just wanted to share it, since I had lost the recipe for a while and it wasn't so long ago that I found it. So now I've started making them for breakfast again. Enjoy!

HOT CEREAL MUFFINS

1-1/4 cup uncooked hot cereal (I use oatmeal)

1/2 - 3/4 cup hot apple juice or orange juice (heat until almost boiling)

2 Tablespoons canola or sunflower oil

1/4 - 1/3 cup honey

1 egg, slightly beaten

1 cup plain yogurt (I use Stonyfield organic)

1-1/4 cup whole wheat flour

1-1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon grated orange rind (best with fresh grated)

1/2 cup raisins (optional)

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cereal and hot juice. Mix until well blended. Mix in the oil, honey, egg, and yogurt.

2. In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, orange rind and raisins. Mix the dry ingredients into the cereal mixture.

Fill 12 greased baking cups about two-thirds full with batter. (For some reason, I had a lot of batter last time.I put the overflow in a small pan. Usually, though, it's just enough for 12 nice size muffins.) Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

If you make a double batch, you can put some in the freezer for busy (or lazy) mornings. Try them, you may like them. I never got past oatmeal, because that's my favorite hot cereal. You may want to experiment with something else. Hope you like them!