Cranberry, Orange and Pecan Muffins

I found this recipe online, tried it and loved it. I then tried it again with the following modifications with whole wheat and flax. The boys love these muffins inspite of my healthy additions. I will say these are a very dense muffin and on the dry side BUT very yummy and filling. The original recipe was from www.cooksister.com

2 Cups Wheat Flour (original recipe uses all purpose flour)
1/2 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Milled Flax (not in original recipe)
2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Salt
1 Cup Craisins
2 tsp Orange Zest
2 Eggs
1/2 Cup Orange Juice
1/4 Cup Vegetable Oil (original called for 1/2 Cup)
1/2 Cup Chopped Pecans
Whole Pecans to Decorate

Preheat oven to 375 and prepare muffin pan.

Soak the Craisins in the orange juice for 20 mins or so (I let them sit while I mix the other ingredients)

In mixing bowl combine flour, sugar, flax, baking powder and salt.

In a smaller mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs then add the oil, cranberry/orange juice mixture, and the orange zest. Then mix the dry and wet ingredients until the dry ingredients are moistened. Fold in the nuts then spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pan and top each muffin with a whole pecan.

Bake for 13-20 muffins, until they just start to golden. Don't over cook or they will be even drier and the whole pecan will burn.

Flax Seed Whole Wheat Pancakes

We were introduced to the wonders of milled flax seed while in Utah visiting our families. I still don't now all the benefits of flax seed. I do know that it is high in omega-3, fiber, and antioxidants. It has to be ground in order for our bodies to digest it and reap those benefits. It can't be milled in a wheat grinder but you can use a coffee grinder. I found already milled flax seed at Walmart in the baking aisle. It doesn't keep long and needs to be refrigerated when it is ground. Apparently you can replace oil and eggs by using flax seed, an idea that intrigues me. Josh has been using it in our wheat pancakes and has perfected it to the following recipe.

2 Cup Whole Wheat Flour
1/2 Cup Milled Flax Seed
2 tsp baking powder
2 Tbs sugar
Dash Salt

2 Eggs
1 1/3 Cup Buttermilk
1 1/3 Cup Milk

Mix the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients seperately then mix them together.  Cook on a hot griddle.
The pancakes are super yummy and very filling.  Enjoy!