I know that people think that all foods in the south are fried.  I will admit that I do love fried foods, but I do like to eat healthy and occasionally indulge in the naughty foods.  These muffins are high in the “good for you” ingredients.  This recipe proves that eating healthy can also be delicious!

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 medium apple cut up into small pieces ( I used a Granny Smith Apples)
1/3 cup chopped dates
1 egg  or 1/4 cup egg substitute
2 tablespoons canola oil
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened apple sause
1/4 cup skim milk

Crumb Topping:

2 tablespoons toasted wheat germ
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg
2 tablespoons cold butter
1/4 cup chopped nuts (I used walnuts)

Mix together dry ingredients.  In a separate bowl beat egg slightly.  Add oil, apple sauce and milk.  Pour into flour mixture and stir until just combined.  Add apple pieces and dates and fold in.  Lightly spray muffin pan or use paper liners and place mixture into muffin pan.

For Topping, Mix wheat germ, brown sugar, cinnamon and stir to combine.  Cut in cold butter until mixture looks like crumbs.  add chopped nuts and spoon onto top of muffins.  Bake in a 350 degree oven until done about 20 minutes.  Remove muffins from pan and cool on a rack.  These are great served warm or at room temperature.

~ Marsha Bradford