Sunshine Muffins

Orange muffins brighten these last gloomy days of winter. These are great for the boys for breakfast incorporating orange juice, carrots, cranberries and oats.

Sunshine Muffins

Makes 16

1 cup all purpose flour

3/4 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup oatmeal

1 cup sugar

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries

1 Tbsp. orange or grapefruit zest

1 cup carrots, grated

1 egg, lightly beaten

3/4 cup orange juice

1/8 cup vegetable oil

1/8 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

1. Line muffin pans with paper cups. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. In a large bowl, mix flours, oatmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add raisins or cranberries and stir to coat. Stir in carrots and orange zest.

3. In a medium bowl, combine egg, oil, applesauce and orange juice.

4. Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients.  Stir in nuts.

5. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake for 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

6. Cool on wire rack. Keeps fresh in airtight container for up to 3 days. They freeze well too.