Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Blueberry Bran Muffins

I love blueberry muffins for breakfast, but I don't really want to start my day off with a cupcake. This is my first attempt at a healthy low-fat alternative, and they are delicious! Extra moist because of the applesauce, you won't even realize how good they are for you. I hope you enjoy!

  • 1 1/2 cups wheat bran
  • 1 cup nonfat milk
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 egg
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup blueberries (thawed if frozen)
  1. Preheat oven to 375. Grease muffin cups or use paper muffin liners (I would recommend using liners because they are so moist they stick easily to the pan). Mix together the bran and milk; let stand for 10 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the applesauce, egg, brown sugar, and vanilla. Bean in the bran mixture. Sift together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir into bran mixture until just blended. Fold in blueberries. Scoop into muffin tins (makes 12).
  3. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until tops spring back when lightly tapped.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Spice-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin

I get tired of cooking chicken all the time, so this is a nice way to mix up the weekly menu. Simple and delicious; I hope you enjoy!
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/4 lb pork tenderloin
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  2. Mix all spices in small bowl, stirring with a fork to mix.
  3. Sprinkle spices over pork tenderloin and rub gently to cover entire surface.
  4. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and saute 1 minute. Add pork tenderloin and gently sear all sides for approximately 10 minutes, turning with tongs.
  5. Transfer pork to broiler pan (or dish with a wire rack atop) and place in oven. Bake for 20 minutes or until thickest portion reaches an internal temperature of 150 or 155.