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About 6 months ago I developed a plan to solve that "short order cook" problem I had every morning when the kids couldn't agree on what to have for breakfast and I ended up making five different things and often getting in a rut with not much variety.  I created a weekly menu that I presented to the kids, each day with it's own special breakfast and even one day for them to each choose what they want.  To my surprise, when they woke up the first day and I told them what was for breakfast (rather than asking what they wanted) I got no resistance.  I was amazed.  And so... out of this plan has come Wednesday "Smoothie Day" on which I create a simple concoction that is never the same (yogurt, milk, frozen fruit, sometimes spinach, sometimes carrots...) and the kids absolutely love.  And to add in some "filling" to the meal I usually make a nice hearty muffin as a side.  I love finding good sounding recipes packed with "good for you" stuff, making a batch and sticking it in the freezer.  Then I'm set for at least 6 weeks of "Smoothie Day!"

These were a huge hit, freeze really well, good tasting and HEALTHY! :) You could even toss in some raisins and/or nuts!
*Courtesy of Cooking Light*


Double Apple Bran Muffins

1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 large egg
1 large egg white
3/4 cup fat free milk
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tablespoon molasses
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups oat bran (or wheat bran)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup coarsely chopped, peeled, Granny Smith apple
2 teaspoons turbinado sugar (optional)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Place 12 paper muffin liners in muffin cups; set aside.  Combine brown sugar and butter in medium bowl; beat with a mixer at medium high speed until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes.)  Add egg; beat 1 minute or until well blended.  Beat in egg white until well blended.  Add milk, applesauce, molasses and vanilla; beat on low speed until well blended.

Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cup; level with a knife.  Combine flour, bran, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl; make a well in center of mixture.  Add milk mixture to flour mixture, stirring just until moist.  Gently stir in apples.

Spoon batter evenly into prepared muffin cups.  Sprinkle evenly with turbinado sugar if desired.  Bake at 400 for 18 minutes or until muffins spring back when touched lightly in center.

Per Muffin: Calories: 174, Fat: 5.6, Sat: 2.8, Protein: 5.2, Carb: 32.5, Fiber: 3