MuffinMania.

Vegan Power Muffins
Base:
3/4 c. whole wheat flour
1/4 c. vanilla protein powder
     [If you don't have protein powder, just use 1 c. whole wheat flour]
1 1/4 c. oats/bran flakes
1/4 c. soy milk/orange juice
1/2 c. sucanat
1 c. applesauce
     [For a slightly less healthy option, use 2/3 c. applesauce and 1/4 c. canola oil]
     [For a delicious fall twist, sub 1/2 c. canned pumpkin in for 1/2 c. applesauce]
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda

For Apple Cinnamon Muffins:
Add-ins:
1 large apple, peeled and diced
2 tsp. agave nectar
2 tsp. maple syrup
     [If you don't have agave nectar and/or maple syrup, just use 1 rounded tbsp. brown sugar]
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 c. raisins, if desired

Preheat over to 375 degrees. Combine soy milk/orange juice with oats/bran flakes. [I have made this recipe multiple times every which way, and it's always delicious]. Soak for 5 minutes. Combine dry ingredients separately. Add applesauce (and oil, if using). Mix in oats/bran flakes and add-ins. Bake 18-22 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center of muffin comes out clean.

The best thing about this recipe? Make whatever flavor you want. Use the muffin base recipe and add in about 1 cup of fruit, 1 tsp. of spice, 1 tbsp. sweetener (if needed), and/or 1/2 c. dried fruit. Need some ideas? Try orange clove or blueberry ginger muffins.

I usually make a few dozen at a time, and then throw some in the freezer so they don't go bad. They are just as good defrosted.

These muffins are good enough to eat as dessert, especially if you make them with just whole wheat flour rather than protein powder. [The protein powder ones are still good, but definitely have a more "healthy" taste.]

Makes 12 large muffins.

Nutrition Facts:
105 calories
4 grams protein

without protein powder...
115 calories
3 grams protein

 Also, yesterday was another great workout with my hubby. We headed out into the chilly 50 degree fall air and ran to the track near our house.

Workout:
.8 mile warmup run to the track
Lots of stretching

4 Rounds of Circuit:
.5 mile "sprint" at 8 min/mile pace
.25 mile "recovery" at 10 min/mile pace
1 min. recovery walking

= 4.3 miles in 38 minutes! Pace: 8:50.



.8 mile walk home (yeah.......we were going to run...but it was the weekend...and the pretty leaves...so we just walked)

No matter how much I take advantage of these unbelievable fall days, they always go too fast. I awoke to the weather radar telling me it was 39 degrees this morning. In complete denial, I will continue to post all things pumpkin, cinnamon, and apple. Also, UP AND COMING THIS WEEK: delicious roasted potatoes, food journal DOs and DON'Ts, and how to make creative dinners every night without a recipe.

Cheers,
Vegan [Wanna-Be] Housewife

(ps) Today's mantra: There's more to life. This is more than there was before, and beyond this there's even more. What a beautiful adventure.