Pumpkin Spice Muffins

You guys know my friend, Bob Greene right? Oh, I mean Oprah's friend. Doesn't matter.

Anyway, he's a big health guru. I bought a book of his way back in the day because it looked like some of the recipes might be a nice healthy alternative. Some are... some are just things I don't want to bother making because I don't normally keep Bulgar Wheat, Farro, and Fresh Fennel seeds lying around. But if you do, be my guest and make me up something fabulous!

I digress.

I've made these particular muffins a number of times, and while I can't say they are something you will find being sold at your local sugar stocked bakery, they are indeed very healthy and not too shabby. They will keep you full all morning too... which is a good thing right? They have 8 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber per muffin. Sheesh! Nothing says "Good Morning" like a little regularity!

Here ya go.

Pumpkin Spice Muffins

ala Bob

2 Cups Wheat Bran

1/2 Cup Boiling Water

1 Cup Canned Pumpkin

2 Eggs

1 1/2 Cup Skim Milk (I always use 1%. I'm such a rebel!)

1/4 Cup Honey

1/4 Cup Sugar

3 TBSP. Canola Oil

1 Cup Whole Wheat Flour

1 Cup all-Purpose Flour

1 TBSP baking Soda

1 TBSP Cinnamon

1 1/2 tsp. Ginger

1/4 tsp Ground Cloves

1/8 tsp. Salt

1/2 Cup chopped Walnuts (I always use chopped Pecan's. Don't usually have walnuts on hand)

In medium bowl mix wheat bran, water and pumpkin. Let sit for at least 5 minutes.

In another medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, honey, sugar, and oil. Combine egg mixture with bran mixture until smooth.

Mix in flours, baking soda, spices and salt. Stir just until dry ingredients are moistened.

Fill lined or sprayed muffin cups half- 2/3 full. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top and bake @ 350 for 15-18 minutes, or until tops are browned and toothpick comes out clean. Cool on wire rack @ least 10 minutes before removing from pan. Now eat and get your fiber on.

**I usually add a few sprinkles of Nutmeg as well.

**Best way to enjoy these is to spread a layer of Peanut Butter on top and drizzle some Honey on top of that! Even Little A will eat them this way.