Whole Wheat Zucchini Nut Muffins

Zucchini has a way of piling up at the end of summer. Baking zucchini muffins and zucchini bread is a great (and tasty) way to make use of all that squash. Here’s a healthy zucchini nut muffin recipe made with whole wheat flour instead of white flour and yogurt in place of part of the oil. For a flavor boost, add a handful of golden raisins, dried cranberries or miniature chocolate chips.

Whole Wheat Zucchini Nut Muffins
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar or sucanat
1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt
3 tablespoons canola or safflower oil
1 cup finely shredded zucchini
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place paper baking cups in 12 regular size (2 1/2-inch) muffin cups. Spray paper baking cups lightly with cooking spray.

Place flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, cinnamon and ginger in a large bowl. Stir to combine; set aside.

Place egg, sugar, yogurt, oil, zucchini and vanilla in a medium bowl. Mix well. Add to flour mixture, stirring until just combined. Stir in nuts. Divide batter among muffin cups.

Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until browned and toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in pan 5 minutes. Remove from pan and cool on wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Makes 12 muffins

Storage Tip: Individually wrap and freeze muffins up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature or warm in a microwave before eating.

Recipe Links:
Whole Wheat Banana Muffins
Vegan Zucchini Bread

Product Link:
Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day: The Discovery That Revolutionizes Home Baking

Whole Wheat Fresh Blueberry Muffins

Looking for a lighter blueberry muffin? Try these hearty whole grain muffins made with juicy fresh blueberries.

Whole Wheat Fresh Blueberry Muffins
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 egg, beaten
1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar or sucanat
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt
3 tablespoons canola or safflower oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
1 cup fresh blueberries

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place paper baking cups in 12 regular size (2 1/2-inch) muffin cups. Spray paper baking cups lightly with cooking spray.

Place flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda and cinnamon in a large bowl. Stir to combine; set aside.

Place egg, sugar, applesauce, yogurt, oil and vanilla in a medium bowl. Mix well. Add to flour mixture, stirring until just combined. Stir in bluberries. Divide batter among muffin cups.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until browned and toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in pan 5 minutes. Remove from pan and cool on wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Makes 12 muffins

Kitchen Tip: Frozen blueberries can be used in place of fresh. Keep blueberries frozen until just before using (do not allow to thaw).

Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day: The Discovery That Revolutionizes Home Baking