Brown sugar oatmeal muffins

       Makes 12.

OM NOM NOM.  That's about all the family had to say about these, and quite frankly, I agree.  While on the hunt for healthy breakfast alternatives to cereal, some Better Oats oatmeal packages cried to be used.

"I must be made into MUFFINS!"

So I hunted for a recipe, and came across a few, but none screamed awesome healthy amazingness, so instead, I just tweaked one until it was the tastiest thing on the planet.  When the husband says he likes something that's full of awesome good ingredients, then it must be a hit, right?  So, without further ado, here's the recipe:

Ingredients:

Muffins:

-1 3/4 c whole wheat flour  (If you don't care for things made with whole wheat flour, use half whole wheat, half all purpose.)

-1/3 c white sugar  (Dunno what to replace this with to keep the sweetness.  Maybe maple syrup?)

-2 tsp baking powder

-1/4 tsp salt

-2 packets instant maple and brown sugar oatmeal

-1 egg, beaten

-1 cup milk

-1/4 cup applesauce (or vegetable oil.  applesauce makes a great substitue for oil in most recipes though.  Particularly this one.)

Streusel Topping:   (Optional)

3 tbs all purpose flour (or whole wheat)

3 tbs brown sugar

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

2 tbs butter

Instructions:

1.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees f.  Grease 12 muffin cups/muffin pan.

2.  Combine 3 tbs four, brown sugar, and cinnamon in small bowl.  Use a pastry blender or two knives to cut the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Reserve.

Tip:  Mushing with your fingers works just as well as knives or a pastry blender.  It just takes a tad bit longer and is messier.

3.  Combine 1 3/4 c flour, white sugar, baking powder, salt, and oatmeal in large bowl.  Make a well in center of mix for wet ingredients.  Pour in egg, milk, and applesauce/oil.  Stir until just mostened.  Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups/pan, filling each 2/3ish full.  Sprinkle tops evenly with streusel topping. 

(again, optional, but it does taste a bit better.  I advise only adding half of the struesel, or even just enough to add a little bit of texture/flavor.  all of it turned out to be way too much.)

4.  Bake at 400 degrees F for about 15 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean.  Cool on wire rack 5ish minutes before serving. 

Lastly, enjoy those tasty muffins, and don't feel too guilty on eating more than just one.  I think I tanked three the first time I made them.