Apple Muffins - Snack Time on Letter "A" Day

Ok, 

I made Apple Muffins for a snack on "A" day. You can't go through the super foods without using Apples!

 "An apple a day keeps the Doctor away!"     So true!

These are deliciously moist and full of appley goodness with a hint of cinnamon in the background. The raisins and walnuts don't overpower these one bit! When I  bake them again, I would even throw in another 1/2 tsp of cinnamon and thus need to increase cooking time to 1 minute more, checking continuously, of course.

I made these muffins into mini muffins, but you could bake regular muffins to, just bake for 8 - 13 minutes longer. (original recipe says 25 - 30 minutes)

Ingredients

Yield:
24  (32 chunky fat mini muffins)

4 cups peeled granny smith apples, ¼ inch dice (1 ½ lbs) (about 3 apples)
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs, beaten lightly
1/2 cup canola oil (I used Vegetable oil, that's what I had on hand…same thing basically) OR YOU COULD USE APPLESAUCE AND ADD TO THE APPLEY GOODNESS OF THESE MUFFINS!
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup raisins (I used 3/4 cup)
1 cup chopped walnuts (I used 3/4 cup)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl toss together the apples and the sugar.
2. In a small bowl whisk together the eggs, the oil, and the vanilla.
3. In a third bowl stir together well with a fork the flour, the baking soda, the cinnamon and salt.
4. Stir the egg mixture into the apple mixture; add the flour andd stir the batter until just combined.
5. Batter will be stiff.
6. Stir in raisins and walnuts.
7. Divide the batter between 24 greased mini muffin tins.
8. Bake in a preheated 325 oven for 25-30 minutes. (18 - 19 minutes for Mini muffin version)

SOME APPLE FACTS:

There are several antioxidant benefits from apples. In particular is the strong ability of apples to decrease oxidation of cell membrane fats. This is especially important in our cardiovascular system since oxidation of fat (called lipid peroxidation) in the membranes of cells that line our blood vessels is a primary risk factor for clogging of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and other cardiovascular problems. 

Nutrition Facts (Raw, with skin)

Serving Size 1 apple (large, 3-1/4" diameter (223 g)

Per Serving% Daily Value*

Calories 116

Calories from Fat 0

Total Fat 0g0%

Saturated Fat 0g0%

Polyunsaturated Fat 0g

Monounsaturated Fat 0g

Cholesterol 0mg0%

Sodium 2mg0%

Potassium 238.61mg7%

Carbohydrates 30.8g10%

Dietary Fiber 5.4g22%

Sugars 23.2g

Protein 0g

Vitamin A 0% · Vitamin C 28%

Calcium 0% · Iron 6%