Start your morning off right with one of these hearty apple bran and cheddar cheese muffins.

Apple Bran Cheddar Muffins

1 cup whole bran cereal
1/4 cup milk
1 cup peeled, cored, and sliced apple (any variety)
1/3 cup canola oil
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup shredded, low-fat cheddar cheese

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease one 12 cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
2. Combine the bran cereal, milk, and apples; mix well. Beat in the canola oil and egg.
3. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Make a well in the center and stir in the wet mixture. Add the shredded cheese and mix enough until just moistened.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
5. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Cool.

Makes 12 servings.

Approximate nutritional analysis per serving (1 muffin): 176 calories; 7 g fat; 4 g protein; 24 g carbohydrates; 19 mg cholesterol; 2 g fiber; 269 mg sodium.

Recipe provided courtesy of Wheat Foods Council.