I’m back in Minnesota for a few weeks while I’m on break from school/internship. It felt really weird coming home for a “vacation”, but it has been wonderful. I also feel odd because I have nothing to do. No school work, no job, no obligations- just enjoying my time home with family and friends. I usually like to stay busy because otherwise I go crazy. But I know that I need to enjoy this time. In 2 weeks when the Fall semester starts, things are going to get busy.

On Saturday morning my mom and I went to the Mill City Farmer’s Market. I love this farmer’s market. I didn’t have an opportunity to go before I left for Texas so I’m glad I was able to come back this month. The market is in Minneapolis by the stone arch bridge. It’s a beautiful part of Minneapolis.

My mom and I shared this refreshing spring water infused with watermelon and basil.

I couldn’t resist buying a scone for a late morning breakfast.

I also bought more lavender, freshly milled whole wheat flour, fresh wheat bran, tomatoes, squash blossom flowers, mint, and basil.

{Whole Grain Apple Muffins}

1 cup finely chopped apples

1/4 cup raw sugar

1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour

1/2 cup wheat bran

2 tablespoons raw sugar

3 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 cup milk of your choice

1/4 cup olive oil

1 egg slightly beaten

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Step 1: Mix 1/2 cup sugar with chopped apples. Set aside.

Step 2: Combine flour, bran, 2 tbsp sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and walnuts.

Step 3: Lightly beat egg. Add it to the dry mixture along with the milk and olive oil.

Step 4: Gently mix the batter until it just starts to come together.

Step 5: Carefully mix in the chopped apples + sugar mixture.

Step 6: Spoon the batter into 12 muffin tins.

Step 7: Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. The house will smell incredible.

The muffins taste like apple pie. They are whole grain, high in fiber, and healthy fats. I think these would make a wonderful snack for after-school or a mid-morning treat. Pair it with a glass of low fat milk for protein and calcium.