Favorite Blueberry Muffins

Have you ever made something that surpassed your expectations? Well, it doesn't happen all that often in my kitchen, but it did yesterday. A lady from work is leaving for a new adventure, and we worked morning shifts together on her last day, so why not have a little breakfast to celebrate her? But I needed something most people would like (none of my vegan tofu delights, sigh) and something easy to grab and pop in your mouth. We are working, after all.

So blueberry muffins with a bit of a twist in a caramelized top and served mini size, along with mini pigs in a blanket were about as all-encompassing as I could get. I mean, I love plain old vanilla ice cream, but this breakfast was not winning any awards in the creativity department. However, all 30 pigs in a blanket and 44 muffins were devoured by the time I left that day. And I'm pretty sure it wasn't just because they were starving, although that's def part of it.

Favorite Blueberry Muffins
Makes 48 mini muffins or 20-24 regular sized

Dry:
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt


Wet:
1/4 cup oil 
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 eggs
1 t. vanilla extract
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar

1 cup low-fat buttermilk
2 cups blueberries
1/3 cup brown sugar
3 TB margarine/butter



step one::: In a medium bowl, stir together all dry ingredients (flour to salt). In a second bowl, combine wet ingredients (oil to sugar).


step two::: Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients alternatively with the buttermilk. Stir until all is mixed well together. Gently fold in the blueberries. 


step three::: Spoon into mini muffin cups (I almost fill them so the muffin tops will be enlarged when baked.). In a coffee cup or small bowl, microwave brown sugar and margarine for 35 seconds, or until melted. Stir and spoon 1/4 teaspoonful onto each muffin. Bake at 350 for 8 minutes, or until muffins have risen and caramel has bubbled.



These muffins were inspired by Lou Seibert Pappas' streusel coffee cake, so thanks!
Suggestions:
Freeze half of the dough to use another time...this makes a pretty large batch!
The muffins freeze well, too. For an on-the-go breakfast, pop in the microwave for 30 seconds and enjoy with your coffee. 
  
Happy Friday!