Serve these spiced applesauce and almond oat muffins warm from the oven.

Warm Apple Almond Muffins

1 1/2 cups quick or old fashioned oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup raisins
1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 cup applesauce
1/3 cup apple juice or milk
1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup sliced almonds

1. Heat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line 12 medium muffin cups with paper baking cups or grease bottoms only with vegetable shortening.
2. In large bowl, combine oats, flour, sugar, raisins, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt, mixing well.
3. In small bowl, combine applesauce, apple juice, egg, almond extract and oil, mixing well. Add to dry ingredients all at once; stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. (Do not overmix.)
4. Fill muffin cups three fourths full. Sprinkle sliced almonds evenly over batter.
5. Bake 20 to 22 minutes or until golden brown. Cool muffins in pan on wire rack 5 minutes. Remove from pan. Serve warm.

Makes 12 muffins.