Multi-Grain Banana Muffins (Low Fat, Too!)

• whole wheat pastry flour↗1 1⁄4 cups
• oat bran1⁄4
• baking powder↗1 1⁄2 teaspoons
• baking soda↗1 1⁄2 teaspoons
• salt↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• oats↗1⁄4 cup
• buttermilk↗1⁄4 cup
• mashed bananas (use very ripe fruit)1 1⁄2 cups
• egg↗1
• vegetable oil↗1⁄4 cup
• sugar↗1⁄3 cup
• vanilla↗1 teaspoon
• cinnamon↗2 teaspoons
• nutmeg↗1⁄4 teaspoon

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. 2

   Combine the oats and buttermilk in a small bowl; let these sit while you prepare the other ingredients.

3. 3

   Mix the dry ingredients (including the cinnamon and nutmeg) together in a medium mixing bowl.

4. 4

   Mash the banana until it's nearly smooth--measure once the fruit is mashed, of course.

5. 5

   Add the egg, oil, sugar, and vanilla.

6. 6

   After stirring those together, add in the oat-buttermilk mixture.

7. 7

   Add the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring just until the dry ingredients are absorbed and no large lumps remain.

8. 8

   Refrain from over-mixing.

9. 9

   Grease twelve muffin cups.

10. 10

    Spoon the batter in, filling the cups evenly to about 2/3 or 3/4 full.

11. 11

    Bake 25-30 minutes, until the top is slightly springy when gently pushed with a finger.