May 23: Healthy Apple and Oatmeal Muffins

This was certainly not the most successful kitchen experience as far as Ty was concerned.  He lost a lot of interest while we were soaking the oats for 30 minutes...who can blame him?  He didn't want to grate the apples, which I though he'd find fun.  And finally, he wasn't impressed with the taste...both he and Brielle  were finished after one bite.  Koen wouldn't even try them, and Seth wasn't impressed either.  They smell fabulous, but they are very dense.  They're either going in the freezer for when I'm eating carbs again or out to the birds.  On that note, here's the recipe. (Find the original recipe at food.com)

Healthy Apple and Oatmeal Muffins

• 1 1/2 cups quick oats
• 1 1/2 cups apple juice
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 2 medium apples, grated
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 4 egg whites, beaten  to soft peaks
• apple wedges for garnish

Soak the oats, apple juice, sugar, and vanilla for 30 minutes.  Mix in the flour, grated apples, baking powder, and cinnamon.  Fold in the beaten egg whites.  Spoon into muffin tins.  Top muffins with 2 sliced apple wedges (cut quarters of an apple into 3 or 4 wedges) and bake at 340 degrees (that's not a typo...340 degrees) for 25-30 minutes or until muffins are cooked through and golden.  Cool for a few minutes before removing from the pan to cool on a wire rack.  Yield:  12 (We got 18)