Pumpkin Spice Muffins

• all-purpose flour↗1 1⁄2 cups
• wheat bran↗1⁄2 cup
• baking powder↗2 teaspoons
• pumpkin pie spice2 teaspoons
• baking soda↗1 teaspoon
• salt↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• canned pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling)↗1 cup
• grated carrot1⁄2 cup
• low-fat buttermilk↗1⁄2 cup
• honey↗1⁄2 cup
• butter or 1/4 cup margarine, melted↗1⁄4 cup
• egg↗1
• vanilla↗1 teaspoon
• grated orange zest1 teaspoon
• chopped walnuts (optional)1⁄2 cup

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. 2

   Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl.

3. 3

   Set aside.

4. 4

   In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin, carrots, buttermilk, honey, butter or margarine, egg, vanilla, and orange zest.

5. 5

   Add to flour mixture, stirring just until moistened.

6. 6

   This is a thick batter.

7. 7

   Fold walnuts (if using) into batter, gently.

8. 8

   Spoon batter into 12-cup muffin pan (lightly greased or sprayed with nonstick spray).

9. 9

   Bake for 20 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

10. 10

    Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack.