PEANUT BUTTER-BANANA-BRAN MUFFINS

I have always held the belief that if it is possible for me to make something myself, I will do that instead of buying it; or if I can do something myself, I will do it instead of hiring someone.  So how does that belief figure into today's post?  With all that has been going on in the world's financial markets, I feel that now more than ever it is necessary to be creative and cost conscious in all that one does.  This belief extends into my kitchen.  I want wonderful things to eat and I don't want to pay a lot.  The answer for me is to do what I have always done; cook and bake from scratch.  In addition to saving money, I have also kept hydrogenated oils out of my kitchen for the past 7 years.  The muffins I made for this morning's breakfast are healthy and delicious.

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          Peanut Butter - Banana - Bran Muffins

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup Bran cereal (not flakes)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup mashed, very ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
• 1/2 cup milk
•  peanuts for topping muffins, optional

• PREHEAT OVEN to 400 DEGREES.

   In a small bowl, mix together the flour, bran, baking powder and the salt.  In a large bowl, beat the oil with the sugar to blend.  Add the eggs, bananas and peanut butter and beat until well-mixed; add milk.  Stir the dry ingredients into the liquid, just until moistened.  Spoon batter into 12 greased or lined muffin cups.  Press several peanuts gently onto the tops of the muffin batter.  Bake on a rack placed in the center of the oven for 20-25 minutes.