Let’s talk about these bran muffins. They are so good. I didn’t know that hearty bran muffins (100 percent whole grain, no less!) could be so fluffy and delicately sweet. Deb’s blue sky bran muffins were already on my must make list when my friend hand delivered some. One taste of the homemade muffins was motivation to adapt them for my blog. I replaced the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. I decreased the buttermilk and baking temperature so I could sweeten the muffins with honey instead of brown sugar. The flavor of honey is lovely here. I couldn’t resist sprinkling the tops with raw sugar for a sparkly, lightly crunchy top.
These muffins are a breakfast treat that you can feel good about (that is, if you don’t think that gluten is the devil). Wheat bran is the nutritious, fibrous, protective outer layer of wheat berries that is removed when wheat berries are processed into all-purpose flour. One of the greatest benefits of a whole foods-based diet is getting plenty of fiber without even trying. I’ve been enjoying these muffins with plain yogurt for breakfast. They make good snacks, too! I can’t say they’re the prettiest muffins around, but bran muffins are never going to win a beauty contest. Fortunately, their taste and texture make up for their modest, lopsided looks. If you want a classic blueberry muffin instead, try my healthy blueberry muffins!
Lots of real time with friends last weekend really improved my recent outlook. We spent not one but two afternoons at the pool, feasted on chips and guacamole for dinner and celebrated a good man’s birthday on his front porch. I don’t have a lot of grand ideas about my future life, but I know I want a big front porch. A screened-in back patio would be nice, too. And a deck, while we’re at it. I wouldn’t mind a balcony. I can’t speak for you, but something magical happens when I cross the threshold to an outdoor space. In the absence of blinking screens and mechanical distractions, my shoulders relax, my work disappears and I feel present. I’m making a purposeful effort this summer to slow down. The season demands it. Long days are for evening walks and wine with friends. I don’t have any colorful Instagrams to show for last weekend’s fun times because I wanted to be in the moment. I understand that every aspect of my life could be leveraged for content, but sometimes I resent that concept. Framing events for social consumption is distracting. You know what I mean?
More Wholesome Baked Goods to Try
Here are just a few more naturally sweetened baked goods:
Gluten-Free Almond Cake with Berries on Top Healthy Banana Bread Healthy Blueberry Muffins Strawberry Oat Muffins
