These muffins are not only tasty, but they're also a good source of fiber. In recent years, health experts have come to realize that fiber is an important part of a heart-healthy diet. Using Canola oil also increases the health benefits of these muffins.

• 1 egg

• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice added)

• 1 cup oatmeal (either quick-cooking or old-fashioned oatmeal; I like to use the old-fashioned)

• 1/2 cup of brown sugar

• 1/2 cup cooking oil

• 2 cups flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 apple chopped

• 1/2 cup raisins

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Chop apple and put into a mixing bowl. Add the raisins. Measure out the remaining ingredients. Stir just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Grease muffin cups and fill to 2/3 full. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool for 5 to 10 minutes, then remove from the muffin tins. Makes 2 dozen muffins.

Hint: Instead of greasing the muffin tins, use cupcake papers. That way you won't have to work so hard to scrub out your muffin tins.

LeAnn R. Ralph is the author of the books: "Christmas in Dairyland (True Stories from a Wisconsin Farm)" and "Preserve Your Family History (A Step-by-Step Guide for Writing Oral Historyies)." You are invited to order a book from Rural Route 2. You also are invited to sign up for the FREE! monthly newsletter, Rural Route 2 News. Visit