Spiced Applesauce Muffins

12 Muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 cup slivered almonds, toasted

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp kosher salt

• 2 tsp Chinese Five Spice Powder

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar

• 2/3 cup canola oil

• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (homemade is best)

• 1 tsp vanilla paste

• 3/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cranberries

1) Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2) Lightly toast the slivered almonds in a non-stick pan and set aside.

3) Line your muffin tin with paper inserts (or make your own with parchment paper).

4) Whisk together the dry ingredients in a small bowl.

5) In a larger bowl, whisk the eggs, then add the brown sugar, oil, applesauce and vanilla.  Whisk to combine.  Fold in the dry mix, the chopped cranberries and ¾ of the cup of slivered almonds.

6) Divide the batter among the muffin cups (I use an ice cream scoop) and sprinkle the remaining almonds over the top of the batter.

7) Place the muffins in the oven and immediately turn down the heat to 375 degrees.  Bake 20 minutes until top is set and the muffin feel firm.

8) Let the muffins cool in the pan for 10 minutes and thenremove them to a wire rack to finish cooling.