Lemon cranberry muffins & our favorite breakfast options

Lemon Cranberry Muffins

Well it’s hard to top last week’s post!! I have nothing funny or humorous to share about these muffins. I can however, fill you in on how things are going with the rabbit. Actually she’s a bunny…only a few months old, which makes it that much harder to resist falling in love with her. I keep telling myself that when they grow tired of her, it will be easy for me to find a home and part with her…but honestly she seems worth the effort for now.

She’s VERY well-behaved, loves to interact with us, doesn’t have accidents when we let her have a little roaming time…and as you’ve seen…she’s SUPER ADORABLE!! And you can’t beat the fact that so far…hubby is SO in love with enamored of her that he does all the “work.” He said he doesn’t want to give me any reason to boot her out. Plus he really likes doing it….he’s rather pet crazy at the moment. If you have no clue what I’m talking about, you can read last week’s post here. I still can’t believe we have a bunny for a pet! Crazy!!

So on to these muffins. I can’t remember where I stumbled upon this recipe, and normally I create my own muffins, but this one sounded way too good to pass up. I know baking is an exact science, but I feel like I have a little more leeway when making muffins. In fact, there is a “create your own muffin formula/recipe” in The Complete Tightwad Gazette (a book near and dear to my heart that I referenced in my Puffy Pancake Post) in case you’re interested. I really changed these quite a bit, but they were my starting point so I’m linking below.

Lemon Cranberry Muffins (adapted from Taste of Home) ~ Yields 24 muffins

4 1/2 cups freshly ground whole wheat flour*
1 1/2 cups sugar, sucanat or honey granules
2 Tbsp + 2 tsp aluminum-free baking powder
1 tsp sea salt
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups whole milk
3/4 cup coconut oil or melted butter
2 lemons (juice and zest)
3 cups cranberries (frozen or fresh), diced or halved

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl stir together flour, baking powder and salt. Place sugar in a small bowl, add lemon zest and rub zest into sugar until fragrant. In another bowl, beat eggs, milk, melted butter or oil and lemon juice. Slice cranberries in half (or dice).

By hand, add dry mixture to wet mixture and stir until just combined. Do NOT over mix. Fold in cranberries gently. Grease muffin pans…this is something my girls are happy to do for me. Using your ice cream scooper, scoop batter into each cup about 2/3rds full. I find using the ice cream scooper is less messy and helps to have an even amount in each cup.

Bake muffins for 18 – 20 minutes, and then cool in muffin pan on a cooling rack if you can wait that long. These muffins are quite addicting, and a favorite around here.

The original recipe only made 12 muffins. With a family of 5, making a batch of 12 muffins is a complete waste of my time. They are scarfed down in no time, and looking for more! These girls seem to stay hungry, and keeping them fed can be a full-time job…can I hear an Amen? Save yourself some trouble, and always double your muffin recipe. With the *whole wheat flour, I sometimes substitute part of that with freshly ground oats. I’ve mentioned before that I use my coffee grinder to grind my oats…right on the spot. VERY easy!!

If you are new to cooking from scratch, and used to using box muffin mixes…homemade (from scratch) muffins are an easy way to get started. They really don’t take much longer to whip up, and the taste more than makes up for the extra few minutes. Not only that…you know what you’re putting into them…no unpronounceable ingredients, and it’s definitely a money saver when you cook or bake from scratch. If you’re looking for alternatives to boxed, sugary cereal…then muffins are a great alternative as well. When I make this double batch, they last most of the week for breakfast or snacks (or I freeze half and make a different type of muffin, freezing half of those). In other words…you can make 2 types of muffins, double batches of each on Sunday, and freeze half of each type for another week.

There are SO many options to a cold cereal breakfast. Our breakfast rotation consists of buttered toast and fruit (if we’re having a heavier brunch-type meal for lunch), muffins, green smoothies, omelettes, eggs/toast, homemade granola, oatmeal, pancakes, french toast, and yogurt with fruit. Now I don’t make these things everyday…but because we homeschool, we have the luxury of a smaller breakfast with a cup of hot tea followed by a bigger brunch around 11 or 12. If I’m making omelettes or pancakes…or something a bit more time consuming, then we are eating it a bit later. They’ve generally had toast/fruit or muffins or yogurt or granola, etc to hold them. Make sense? At least half of these breakfast options my girls can make or get for themselves, and my 12 yr old can even make eggs.

One more tip ~ have you ever visited Mr. Breakfast? If not…be sure to head over and bookmark it. There are over 2,300 breakfast recipes and ideas to scroll through. It’s an easy, simple website to use…and you’ll never run out of ideas.

QUESTION ~ Have you been successful in breaking away from the cold cereal trap, or are you still in the process? Have you met with resistance, or do your kids beg for certain breakfast recipes or foods?

This recipe is linked up with My Meatless Monday, Hearth & Soul Hop, Tuesdays at the Table, Tempt my Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, Slightly Indulgent Tuesday, Delectable Tuesday, Totally Tasty Tuesday, What’s Cooking Wednesday, What’s on the Menu Wednesday, Foodie Wednesday, What’s for Dinner, What’s on Your Plate, Works for Me Wednesday, REAL Food Wednesday, Frugal Food Thursday, Thrilling Thursday, Full Plate Thursday, It’s a Keeper Thursday, Simple Lives Thursday & Fresh, Clean & Pure Friday, Family Friendly Fridays, Friday Firsts, Fun with Food Friday, Friday Favorites, Food Trip Friday, Finer Things Friday, Saturday Swap, Mangia Mondays & Monday Mania.

“Facebook recommends” or “shares” are much appreciated. Thanks!!

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48 Responses to Lemon cranberry muffins & our favorite breakfast options

  1. Melinda says:

    I love the Tightwad Gazette! I'm with you on making just 12 muffins – why waste my time! I make at 2-3 dozen at a time!

  2. Linda Makiej says:

    This looks just wonderful!!

  3. shopannies says:

    sound yummy

  4. Carol @ There's Always Thyme to Cook says:

    They look delicious!

  5. Miriam says:

    I do love delicios muffins like these, fabulous! Miriam@Meatless Meals For Meat Eaters

  6. Michelle @the domestic mama and the village cook says:

    ooo, yum. Bring some on our trip! LOL! I'm glad you're warming up to Miss Bunny Ruby!

  7. Sarah says:

    Mom, those Muffins were so good. Can you make those soon. I am so glad you LOVE Ruby now.

  8. Messy Mom says:

    Looks and sounds delicious. I agree, double recipe makes sense!

  9. Mary says:

    Denise, these really sound delicious. I'll have to look for coconut oil but if my result mirrors yours it will be worth the effort. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary

  10. musicalmary says:

    Thanks for linking up! It is so nice to meet you, too. We have so much in common. 🙂 Five in a Row is perhaps the most favorite thing of our homeschool (and I think my kids would agree, too). I'm following you now, too!

    ~Mary

  11. Tiffany Christie says:

    Here from the bloghop.
    I follow you on GFC. I'd love for you to follow me back
    Tiffany
    http://tiffspixiedust.blogspot.com
    Tiffypoot @ (aol.com)

  12. Holli says:

    I love the ingredient list filled with wholesome foods….I try to incorporate the same foods you listed in most of my recipes, but I just feel off the wagon with my last two recipes. Thanks for the inspiration to get back to it….happy to follow.

  13. Smith Family says:

    These sound wonderful! So glad to find you on Wardeh's Simple Lives Thursday post! Blessings, Kelly @ The Nourishing Home
    http://www.facebook.com/TheNourishingHome

  14. DoleValleyGirl says:

    Found you on Simply Lives Thursday. My daughter and I are baking up a different muffin each Monday this year, and I'd love to try yours one of these days. We use whole wheat pastry flour and all the other ingredients you use in your muffins. Have you ever made a soaked muffin? It's on my list to try as I've been inspired by Sarah the Healthy Home Economist. Blessings! ~Lisa

  15. Ms Bibi says:

    Your muffins look so yummy. I usually make orange and cranberry muffins, but I must try your lemon version.

    My kids love lemon pound cake so I am sure they would love these muffins.

  16. Cake Duchess says:

    Gorgeous muffins Denise! I'm so happy you got a bunny and love the name RUBY! So cute! My daughter would be very envious. She loves pancakes every day. I need to make your muffins b/c I know they'd be a hit!!:)

  17. Trisha says:

    These muffins look delicious … I can't wait to try them!

  18. yvette says:

    A double bake on muffins never goes astray! They're not time consuming at all and I usually split my batter in half and make two sorts as I go. Great combinations of flavour in these! Lemons and cranberries..Yummy! It's a Keeper
    http://yvettesblogs.com/2011/03/24/food-of-the-gods/

  19. Debbie says:

    I just know I will love these…anything lemon is tops with me. Thanks for linking them up to What's On the Menu Wednesday. I hope you will plan on joining me each week. Thanks again.

  20. Connie C says:

    Hi from your newest follower on GFC from MBC. Wonderful Blog you have. When you get the time please check out my blog and return the follow.

    http://uniquecreationscatering.blogspot.com/

    Thank You,

    Connie C

  21. Miz Helen says:

    Hi Denise,
    I really enjoyed your post. Your muffins look awesome with two of my favorite ingredients, a great combination. Thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and please come back!

  22. Sense of Home says:

    These look very good, Cranberry and lemon go so well together. I make muffins and breads for breakfast often and always make extra for the freezer.

    -Brenda

  23. Julie M. says:

    That's a beautiful muffin and I love how healthy it is! What a great way to start the morning. A cup of coffee, one of these, and I could easily be ready to start my day.

  24. Lisa says:

    We must be on the same baking wavelength. I just made some lemon cranberry loaves today. But, your muffins sound a whole lot healthier and they look fantastic. I have a sweet treat linky party going on at my blog and I'd like to invite you to stop by and link your muffins up. http://sweet-as-sugar-cookies.blogspot.com/2011/03/sweets-for-saturday-10.html

  25. Cheerful says:

    looks delicious…thanks for recipe! PinayMum – Mommy's Life Around…wishing you a great weekend!

  26. Christina says:

    I envy your ability to play around and get creative with baked goods! I have to follow a recipe to a T otherwise they don't turn out. Great tip about grinding the oats with your coffee grinder! I love that! Thanks for sharing with Friday Firsts this week! 🙂

  27. Lark (SparkyLarky) says:

    I would like to invite you to join in on a WEEKLY RECIPE LINK on my blog.

    http://larkscountryheart.blogspot.com/
    "Made it on Monday" is open for link up's every Wed.-Sat.

    I hope you will join in the fun 🙂

  28. Lark (SparkyLarky) says:

    I would like to invite you to join in on a WEEKLY RECIPE LINK on my blog.

    http://larkscountryheart.blogspot.com/
    "Made it on Monday" is open for link up's every Wed.-Sat.

    I hope you will join in the fun 🙂

  29. Tanvi@Sinfully Spicy says:

    Thanks for stopping by Denise.I love how healthy your muffins sound.I use coconut oil sometimes in curries, baking with it would be exciting.Thanks for sharing!

  30. Kristin says:

    thank you for linking up to mangia monday!

    these muffins sound great, & i love the tip about freezing for later… genius!!! 😀

  31. Terry Ann says:

    Wow……this sounds like a great recipe. I love anything with cranberries and I'm always looking for whole wheat recipes. Where do you find honey granules…I'm not familiar with them?

  32. Lisa@The Nourishing Homemaker says:

    Great breakfast ideas! I love Mr. Breakfast too!

  33. Alea Milham says:

    The Tightwad Gazette inspired me as a young wife, now it is like an old friends!

    I just love the sound of lemon and cranberries together – sounds delightful!

  34. Ubermom says:

    I am over from Healthy Home Econ. I have two muffin pans from the restaraunt supply and each makes two dozen; I don't mess around! I agree that you might as well make a bunch. Hey, have you ever tried soaking your flour with buttermilk?

  35. Lin Ann says:

    Glad to hear you're loving your bunny, very cute! Your muffins sound and look terrific. Congrats on your Babble nomination, I voted for you this morning.

  36. Miz Helen says:

    Congratulations Denise,
    You are featured on Full Plate Thursday this week. You are welcome to stop by and pick up your Red Plate. Enjoy!

  37. Delishhh says:

    Your bunny is so CUTE!!!! But your muffins looks just delicious!!! I have to try these.

  38. A SPICY PERSPECTIVE says:

    They looks fantastic. I can tell these would go fast in my house!

  39. Kristin says:

    just wanted to stop by & let you know that i featured your recipe on 5 favorites friday!

    http://delightfullydowling.blogspot.com/2011/04/5-favorites-friday.html

  40. Julia in West Des Moines, IA says:

    have this recipe in the oven right now! got here from @aleasleftovers. I haven't done cold cereal for years, but my younger two kids and dh still go to the quick and easy cereal. they'll take something else if someone makes it, but not take the initiative do it themselves.

  41. Sweet and Savory says:

    Thanks for linking this up. I am planning on making this. It has that extra to it that makes it special.

    You got the most looks from out readers and have become our most popular recipe (and blogger) for last week.

  42. Cookin' Canuck says:

    The flavors in these muffins make me yearn for spring – so bright and fresh.

  43. Alison @ Ingredients, Inc. says:

    These look amazing!

  44. Lindsey @ Gingerbread Bagels says:

    These muffins look sooo good! I love anything with cranberries. 🙂

  45. Kathryn says:

    These look fabulous! Please share them with our readers by linking up at Muffin Monday. Thanks!
    http://www.talkingdollarsandcents.net/muffin-monday-applesauce-muffins

  46. These sound like the perfect way to start the day and I love that they are made with whole-wheat flour. It sounds as though you and your husband are enjoying your new member of the family!
    Cookin’ Canuck recently posted..Rum Punch Recipe with Ginger Beer & Pineapple Juice

  47. Eliza Stephens says:

    Thanks again. thank you for linking up to mangia monday! You are featured on Full Plate Thursday this week.
    Eliza Stephens recently posted..Many Cures

  48. Pingback: Zucchini Muffins ~ Secret Recipe Club | Creative Kitchen

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