Apple Muffins

1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 c. whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
¾ c. packed brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ c. canola oil
2 large eggs
1 c. natural applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
¾ c. lowfat buttermilk
1 Golden Delicious apple, grated

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose and whole wheat flour, baking soda and salt.
In a large bowl, combine ¾ c. brown sugar, cinnamon and oil. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Whisk in the applesauce and vanilla.
Whisk in the flour mixture in 2 batches, alternating with the buttermilk. Whisk until just combined. Gently stir in the apple chunks.

Tap the pan on the counter a few times to remove any air bubbles. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center of one of the muffins comes out clean. Makes ~20 muffins.

Applesauce Pancakes with Cinnamon Syrup

Applesauce Pancakes

2 eggs
2 c flour
1 c milk
1 c applesauce
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 c vegetable oil
2 T sugar
2 T baking powder
1 tsp salt

Beat eggs until fluffy. Beat in remaining ingredients just until smooth. Heat griddle or skillet over medium heat or to 375 degrees. (To test griddle, sprinkle with a few drops of water. If bubbles jump around, heat is just right.) Grease griddle. For each pancake, use slightly less than 1/4 cup batter. Cook pancakes until bubbly on top and dry around the edges. Turn to cook other sides until golden brown.

Cinnamon Syrup

1 cup sugar
slightly less than 3/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup evaporated milk

In a saucepan, combine sugar and cinnamon. Pour in corn syrup and water and stir to dissolve. Boil, stirring constantly 2-3 minutes. Cool. Stir in evaporated milk and serve. Refrigerate leftovers.