Jam-Filled Almond Muffins

These muffins are great for a mid-morning snack...I like freezing them in individual bags, so I can take them out the night before I want one, toss it in the microwave for about 20 seconds, and get that "just out of the oven feeling" anytime I want. :)

Taken From the Eating Well Magazine:

Jam-Filled Almond Muffins:

1 1/4 cups whole-wheat flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk (see Tip)
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup blackberry, blueberry, raspberry or cherry jam
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat 12 muffin cups with cooking spray.

2. Whisk whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl.

3. Whisk eggs and brown sugar in a medium bowl until smooth. Add buttermilk, orange juice, oil and vanilla; whisk to blend. Add to the dry ingredients and mix with a rubber spatula just until moistened.

4. Scoop half the batter into the prepared pan. Mix jam and almond extract; drop a generous teaspoonful into the center of each muffin. Spoon on the remaining batter, filling each muffin cup completely. Sprinkle with almonds, then sugar.

5. Bake the muffins until the tops are golden brown and spring back when touched lightly, 15 to 25 minutes. Loosen edges and turn muffins out onto a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per muffin: 229 calories; 8 g fat (1 g sat, 4 g mono); 36 mg cholesterol; 33 g carbohydrate; 6 g protein; 2 g fiber; 180 mg sodium.

TIP: Tip: You can use buttermilk powder in place of fresh buttermilk. Or make "sour milk": mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup milk.