Banana-Flax Bran Muffins

Tuesday mornings there's this wonderful Beth Moore Bible study I go to at a friend's house. We take turns bringing a mid-morning snack. My day arrived and I decided to make muffins. Being a vegetarian, I know it's important to get in my Omega-3's from sources such as flax since I don't eat fish. Flax oil contains the highest amount of omega 3's, with flax seed following in second, and salmon third. These muffins are high in fiber, thanks to the 2 cups of All-Bran cereal in these babies, which helps with digestion, increases energy and aids in weight loss. The bananas, obviously known to be high in potassium, have countless health benefits including being one of the highest sources of naturally available vitamin B6! Ready for the recipe now? 

Banana-Flax Bran Muffins (aka Banana-flax breakfast muffins)

2 C. bran cereal, such as Smart Bran or All-Bran
1 C. buttermilk (or soy + 1 T. apple cider vinegar) 
1/4 C. flaxseed meal or ground flaxseed
4 bananas, divided
1 C. sugar
1 large egg (or Ener-G egg replacer)
1/4 C. canola oil
1 1/2 C. all-purpose flour
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. baking soda
1/2 t. ground cinnamon
1/4 t. ground nutmeg
1/4 t. salt

Place cereal, buttermilk, and flaxseed in bowl of food processor, and pulse to combine. Let stand 30 minutes, or until cereal is soft. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat muffin pan with cooking spray (or better yet, use non-stick muffin liners and you won't need to add any oil to pan).

Add 3 bananas to cereal mixture, and process until smooth. 

Add sugar, egg, and oil, and process until smooth. 

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in bowl. Add to cereal mixture in food processor, and pulse until smooth. Fill each muffin cup with 1/2 C. batter. Slice remaining banana into 1/2" thick rounds  and place on top of muffins. *I added a mixture of cinnamon sugar on top of the muffins after the banana slices are placed on top. Bake 20-25 minutes or until muffin tops are browned and a toothpick inserted comes out clean and cool on wire racks. 

 I would highly recommend brewing a french press of coffee or maybe a cup of tea, sitting next to a sunny window and enjoying one of these delicious, moist muffins. The women loved these muffins! I hope you do too!

Stay tuned for more...

 Chef Teebs