My sister Laura told me yesterday that they always tell their kids that Labor Day weekend is to celebrate work, so they have to do lots of it. (Then she followed up with “Our kids will probably need therapy someday.”) I’m just bummed I didn’t think of this idea sooner, because it’s GENIUS. I’ll even pay for the therapy.
Eric spent the day doing yard work (and didn’t cut any power cords! It’s a miracle!) and I made and photographed some homemade Hostess Cupcakes that are coming your way really soon. (Be excited about this.) And the kids just played. A part of me wishes I had put them to work, (to quote Calvin’s dad, “It builds character!”) and then a part of me just loves hearing them in the background, building forts and being kids together. (This is the nostalgic part of me. The real reason is because making your kids do chores is way more effort than doing chores, can I get an amen. Major props, Laura.)
We had a new friend of a friend over for Taco Tuesday last week, and I offered him a Bran Muffin. I warmed it in the microwave and handed him a fork, because the glaze is pretty sticky. When he finished eating, he looked up and said, what did you call what I just ate? I said it was a bran muffin, and he said, “I don’t think that qualifies as a bran muffin.” And now I’m sitting here editing these photos, while baby Valentine keeps pointing at the screen saying “Cake. CAKE!” So maybe I need some lessons on how to make actual healthy bran muffins. (More on that below)
How to make Bran Muffins
You start by making the glaze: brown sugar, molasses, and melted butter. Stir it together and then get this: use a pastry brush to paint it all directly into a muffin tin. I’d never heard of this method for muffins before but I’M OBSESSED. I can’t wait to test it with other kinds of muffins. The next one I try will be a blueberry muffins with lemony glaze painted on the pan, wouldn’t that be amazing??
As the muffins cook, the glaze in the tins completely melds into the bottom and edges of the muffin. There is nothing left in the pan when you turn the muffins out, just a little grease. I was worried about it being a sticky mess, but it was easier to clean the pan than after baking regular muffins. You know how the muffin top is usually the best part of a muffin? (I mean there was an entire Seinfeld episode about it!) Not so on these muffins. You get the muffin top, PLUS glazed bottom deliciousness.
Don’t be alarmed when you notice these muffins barely rising above the edge of the tin. It’s because of the glaze on the edge of the pan. If you baked these without the glaze (I tried it) they puff up just fine. But a flat top works out nicely because you’re serving the muffins upside down anyway.
I included this picture so that you could see the crispity edge of the muffin batter that spills over the top of the tin. Normally this would be a sign that you over filled your tin, but for this recipe it’s just right. Because who doesn’t want that golden deliciousness! Those were my favorite bites. If you wanted to healthify these muffins, here’s how to do it: cut the sugar and molasses in the batter down to 1/4 cup each, and skip the glaze altogether. Top each muffin with a pecan before baking. They will still be really delicious bran muffins, but not over the top. Just promise me you won’t skip the sour cream in the batter. It’s what makes these muffins so moist and tender!
I’m dreaming of topping these muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter. So much for making these healthier! Come back later this week for a 30 minute chicken dinner, Indian style. I think you’re going to love it! Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram One year ago: Pumpkin Butterscotch Molten Lava Cakes Four years ago: Goat Cheese Steak with Balsamic Glaze Six years ago: My Favorite French Bread (I love this recipe if you want a double rise. If you are in a hurry, try this One Hour French Bread) More muffins you are going to love! Cinnamon Sugar Dipped Muffins (French Breakfast Puffs) « so easy!!
Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Muffins with Maple Syrup < like pancakes, but no flipping
Raspberry Lemon Glaze Muffins « old favorite! These are so good!
More muffin recipes from blog friends! Chunky Monkey Banana Muffins from Barbara Bakes Gingerbread Apple Muffins from Well Plated Carrot Cake Muffins with Crumb Topping from Oh Sweet Basil
