My Own Zen Bran Muffins

Ever since I discovered Zen Bakery's delicious bran muffins I have been addicted. I have taken to eating them for both breakfast and lunch during the week since I love them so much and since it is cheaper than buying lunch at work (I hate packing a lunch). Two weeks ago when I went to LA to visit my sister I discovered that the Whole Foods in Venice Beach carries over 10 different kinds of Zen Bakery muffins. I was so excited to try all the new flavors since in Boston I am only able to find about three, and only at the Whole Foods near work, not at the one near my apartment. Yesterday morning I discovered I was out of my favorite muffins, and the Whole Foods closest to my apartment doesn't carry them. I decided to bake my own version. To my surprise, I think I might like them even better than Zen Bakery's! This week I made peach bran, but I next week I plan to try something different. There are so many possibilities for different flavors... I can't wait.

I modified this recipe to come up with the one below: Oat Bran Muffins - All Recipes

INGREDIENTS

• 3 T agave nectar
• 1 T stevia extract
• 1 1/2 cups oat bran
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup + 1 T unsweetened applesauce
• 1 T vegetable oil
• 2 T soy milk
• 1 T vanilla extract
  
• 1 cup diced peaches

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line or grease 9 muffin cups.
2. Blend together agave nectar, stevia. oat bran, flour, baking powder, soda, and salt. Add eggs, chilled applesauce, soy milk, vanilla and vegetable oil. Mix until well-blended. Fold in peaches. Spoon batter into muffin cups. Let stand 10 minutes.
3. Bake at 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) for 15 minutes or until golden brown.