posted by cowgirl 06-11-102 3:09 PM
Bran Muffins
2 c. unprocessed bran
1 1/2 c. raisins
1 1/2 c. water
1/2 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. orange zest, finely chopped
1/2 c. light brown sugar, lightly packed
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1 extra-large egg
1 extra-large egg white
1/2 c. unbleached all-purpose flour
1/4 c. stone-ground whole-wheat flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
Preheat oven to 350.
Spread the bran on a baking sheet and toast for 6 to 8 minutes, until toasted, stirring halfway through to ensure that it doesn't burn.
In a small saucepan, stir together 1 cup of the raisins and 1 cup of the water and simmer on low heat unitl the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Place in a blender or in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade, and process until pureed.
Pour the bran into a large bowl, add the buttermilk and remaining 1/2 c. of water, and stir to combine. Stir in the raisin puree, orange zest, and brown sugar. Add the oil, whole egg, and egg white, mixing well to incorporate.
Sift the flours, baking powder, baking soda and salt into the raisin mixture. Add the remaining whole raisins and stir to combine.
Fill lightly greased muffin tins full (to just over the rim and mounding the batter slightly).
Bake for about 25 minutes, until the muffins are well browned and firm to the touch.
Yields 10 muffins.