Cranberry-Oatmeal Muffins with Applesauce

Ingredients and Weight:

• Dry oats: 1 cup
• All-purpose flour: 2 cups
• Baking powder: 2 tsp
• Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
• Salt: 1/2 tsp
• Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup
• Brown sugar: 1/2 cup
• Unsalted butter (melted): 1/2 cup
• Eggs: 2
• Applesauce: 1 cup
• Fresh cranberries: 1/2 cup (or frozen, if in season)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a muffin pan with paper cups or grease well.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
3. In another bowl, cream together the sugars and melted butter. Add eggs one by one and mix well after each addition.
4. Stir in the applesauce until well combined.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently but thoroughly.
6. Fold in the cranberries.
7. Divide the mixture evenly into the muffin cups.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before removing from the pan and transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Each muffin provides approximately 300 calories (based on using ingredients with standard nutritional values).
• Fat content may vary depending on the type of butter used.

Dish Characteristics:

• Cranberry and oatmeal combination offers a unique flavor profile that Americans often enjoy.
• Applesauce adds a fruity tanginess to the muffins.
• These muffins are moist and have a nice texture with the oats providing a chewiness.

User Comments:

1. "These muffins were fantastic! The combination of cranberries and oats was unexpected but delicious." - John Doe
2. "I love how moist these muffins are. The applesauce definitely gives them a unique flavor." - Jane Smith
3. "These are perfect for breakfast or as a snack. The recipe is easy to follow and the ingredients are easy to find." - Michael Johnson

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh or frozen cranberries (ensure they are fully thawed if frozen).
• For best results, use high-quality applesauce without any added sugar or flavorings.
• Ensure the butter is completely melted before adding it to the wet ingredients.
• Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough muffins. Gently combine until just combined.