Oatmeal Maple Muffins

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup quick oats

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (OR use 1/2 cup soft REAL butter)

1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)

1/2 cup REAL maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 eggs

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 400 F. In a large bowl, cream applesauce (or if using butter, the butter), brown sugar, and eggs. Sift in flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix. add maple syrup, milk, and vanilla. Mix. Add oats. Mix. I use mini-muffin pans sprayed with non-stick spray. Fill pans and bake for approx 16 minutes. (If using regular muffin pans bake 20-25 minutes.) This recipe can be halved.