Manoomin Maple Muffins

Difficulty rating: 3 chefs hats (out of 5)
 
These subtlety sweet muffins are perfect for breakfast or great in a bread basket for dinner.

Ingredients:

• Canola spray oil
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cooked wild rice
• 3/4 cup lowfat buttermilk
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 medium apple, grated (about 1 cup)

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Generously coat a 12-cup muffin tin with spray oil.

In a large bowl, combine whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; whisk thoroughly. Add wild rice and toss to coat. In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk, applesauce, maple syrup, egg and vanilla. Stir buttermilk mixture into flour mixture until just combined. Fold in apples.

Fill muffin cups about 3/4 full. Bake until golden brown and cook through, about 15 to 18 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.