Healthy Recipes: Banana-Orange Bran Muffins with Pecans and Raisins

This healthy recipe is from the American Institute for Cancer Reseach (AICR). The majority of the laboratory research on diet and cancer suggests that eating vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans will lower your risk of developing the disease. These muffins are packed with healthy eating nutrients and antioxidents.  Plus, they're yummy! 

Makes 12 muffins

Nonstick cooking spray1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
1/2 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
1 egg
1/4 cup canola oil or light olive oil
1 1/2 cups bran flakes cereal
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. salt
1/2 cup raisins, regular or golden
1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. In large bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, orange juice concentrate, egg and oil. Stir in bran flakes. Let sit about 15 minutes to soften cereal.

In separate bowl, combine flour with baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Add to cereal mixture and stir just until combined. Gently fold in raisins and pecans. Spoon batter evenly into muffin tins. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until done. Cool 5 minutes in tin.