Nancy Silverton’s Bran Muffins

By Addie

These muffins are quite different than other muffins. For one thing, they’re much, much lighter in texture. And for another, they’re not very sweet.

Be sure to fill the molds so that the batter is mounded up in each tin. Next batch, I’m going to try baking them at a higher temperature, 400F (200C), and see if that gives them more height and oomph. I’ll revise the recipe if I do. But if anyone tries that in the meantime, I’d be interested in hearing about it in the comments.

Adapted from Pastries from La Brea Bakery by Nancy Silverton

Ingredients

• 2 cups wheat bran
• 1 cup, plus 1/2 cup dark raisins
• 1 cup, plus 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg white
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation

Step 1

1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin (with 1/2-cup indentations) with paper liners.

2. Spread the wheat bran on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for six to eight minutes, stirring a few times so it cooks evenly. Let cool.

3. While the bran is toasting, heat 1 cup of the raisins with 1/2 cup of the water. Simmer for ten minutes, or until the water is all absorbed. Puree the raisins in a food processor or blender until smooth.

4. In a large bowl, mix together the toasted bran, buttermilk or yogurt, 1 cup water, then mix in the raisin puree, orange zest, and brown sugar.

5. Stir in the oil, egg and egg white.

6. Mix together the flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, and sift directly into the wet ingredients. Stir until the ingredients are just combined, then mix in the remaining 1/2 cup raisins.

7. Spoon the batter into the muffin tins, making sure the batter is mounded slightly in each one. Because muffin tins can very in size, if your tins are larger, make fewer muffins.

8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the muffins feel set in the center.