Orange Cranberry Cream Cheese Muffins

Occasionally I make smaller muffins to have as a mid-afternoon snack in between clients. The cream cheese keeps the muffins moist and the orange zest adds so much flavor.

Ingredients:
2 cups whole wheat flour
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup orange juice
Zest of medium orange
6 oz light cream cheese
2 eggs
2 Tablespoons canola oil
½ cup sugar
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup chopped almonds
Greek yogurt for topping (optional)

Here's what you do:
Combine the first 3 ingredients and set aside. Combine the next 7 ingredients and then add the dry ingredients to the mixture. Add the cranberries and almonds. If you're making small ones, pour conservatively into muffin tins (if not, just fill 'em up!) and bake at 350 for 15 minutes. After cooling, dollop a spoonful of Greek yogurt on top before eating.

Breakfast Banana Bread

I love banana bread and I’m always playing around with ways to make it healthier and more filling. This one is my latest attempt and I really like it. It’s more of a filling breakfast type of banana bread, but it’s still really delicious and, truth be told, I’d snack on it anytime of day.

Ingredients:
2 cups whole wheat flour
½ cup Wheatina or other toasted wheat product
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup sugar
2 eggs
½ cup skim milk or soy milk
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
3 ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Here's what you do:
Combine the first 4 ingredients in bowl and set aside. In separate bowl combine the remaining ingredients, except the walnuts. Add the dry mixture to the banana mixture until well blended. Add walnuts. Pour into bunt/cake pan or loaf pan and bake at 375 for 18-20 minutes.

Mango Walnut Muffins

I've been on a muffin kick. I think it's because I hate to waste food and I've found that I can pretty much make a muffin out of anything. Sweet or savory, it's alllll goooood.

I had some dried mango slices in my cabinet and a few containers of Greek yogurt that needed to be used. And, well, there you go.

Ingredients
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 oz dried mango
1/4 cup hot water
10 oz plain Greek yogurt with honey
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Here's what you do:
Combine the first 4 ingredients in a bowl and set aside. Put the mango in a bowl and add the hot water (enough to cover the mangoes). Once the mangoes are re-hydrated (about 5 minutes), chop into little pieces. Reserve the water.

Combine the yogurt, eggs, sugar, mango water and vanilla in a bowl. Add dry ingredients and then walnuts. Pour into muffin tins and bake at 350 degrees for about 12-14 minutes.