You know Dale, I think that a wholesome breakfast would improve your mood and put a little spring in your step. Remember, breakfast is the most important meal of the day!

Breakfast Muffins These wholesome breakfast muffins can be enjoyed at any time of day. From Cut Your Cholesterol

Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 15-20 minutes

You Will Need 1/2 cup whole wheat flour 3/4 cup all purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking soda Pinch of salt 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons wheat germ 3/4 cup raisins 1 container (8 ounces) plain low-fat yogurt 4 tablespoons canola oil 1 egg Grated zest of 1/2 orange 3 tablespoons orange juice

What to Do 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners, or coat with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

2. Sift the flours, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon into a large bowl. Stir in the brown sugar, wheat germ, and raisins, and make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.

3. Lightly whisk together the yogurt, oil, egg, orange zest, and juice. Pour into the well and stir only enough to moisten.

4. Spoon into the muffin cups. Bake until the muffins are golden brown and the centers are firm when gently touched, about 15-20 minutes. Leave muffins to cool in the tray for 2-3 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack. The muffins are best eaten fresh, preferably still slightly warm from the oven, but can be cooled completely and then kept in an airtight container for as many as 2 days.

Makes 12 muffins

Some More Ideas:

* Substitute chopped prunes or dried dates for the raisins.

* For carrot and spice muffins, add a dash of nutmeg, stir 2 small grated carrots into the flour mixture with the wheat germ, and reduce the amount of raisins to 1/4 cup.

Each muffin provides: Calories 154, fat 6 g, saturated fat 1 g, cholesterol 19 mg, sodium 232 mg, carbohydrates 24 g, fiber 1 g, protein 4 g.

Last Updated: 2005-08-29