Bran Muffins err... Bran Bread

adapted from Cookie Baker Lynn

I grew up with my mom's amazing Bran muffins, but her recipe requires a food processor (something I don't have at the moment) so I rooted around for a recipe that would be easier to prepare, healthy, and still pack a flavorful punch.  I found this recipe, baked it as a loaf (I don't have muffin tins either...) and it turned out lovely.  

2 cups bran cereal

1 1/4 cups milk

1 1/4 cups flour (whole or white)

1/2 cup honey (or sugar)

1 Tbsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp cloves

1 egg

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 large banana, mashed

Feel free to add raisins, nuts or other berries if desired.  As you can tell, you can make this recipe as healthy as you want depending on the ingredients that you choose.  

Preheat oven to 400 (350 if you are baking a loaf).  In a larch mixing bowl, combine bran cereal and milk.  Let stand for a few minutes to soften the cereal.  Stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and spices in a small bowl and set aside.  Turn back to the cereal mixture and mix in the egg and oil, beating well.  Mash the banana and add it to the wet mixture.  Stir in flour mixture and pour the batter into a prepared muffin tin or bread loaf.  

Bake for 20 minutes at 400 or until golden brown (for muffins)

Bake for 50 minutes at 350 or until golden brown (for bread)

Best served warm, with butter.  Enjoy!