EAT RIGHT

Honey & Goat Cheese-Filled Fig Muffins

Sweet figs and a filling of tangy goat cheese give a surprising twist to these hearty breakfast muffins. Make a batch of these on the weekend and enjoy them for breakfast all week long. If you're not a fan of goat cheese, try them with cream cheese instead.

3/4 cup(s) crumbled soft goat cheese or reduced-fat cream cheese
2 tablespoon(s) honey
1 teaspoon(s) freshly grated lemon zest
1 1/4 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract, divided
2 cup(s) white whole-wheat flour
1 1/2 teaspoon(s) baking powder
1/2 teaspoon(s) baking soda
1/4 teaspoon(s) salt
2 large eggs
1 large egg white
3/4 cup(s) packed dark or light brown sugar
1 cup(s) low-fat or nonfat buttermilk
1/3 cup(s) extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/4 cup(s) chopped dried figs
3 tablespoon(s) turbinado or granulated sugar

• Preheat oven to 425°F. Line 12 (1/2-cup) muffin cups with paper liners or coat with cooking spray .
• Thoroughly combine goat cheese (or cream cheese), honey, lemon zest, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla in a small bowl. Set aside.
• Whisk flour (see measuring tip), baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Lightly beat eggs and egg white in a medium bowl; add brown sugar and the remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla and whisk until the sugar is dissolved, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in buttermilk and oil until smooth. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined; do not overmix. Fold in figs.
• Spoon half the batter into the prepared muffin cups. Add 1 generous teaspoon of the reserved cheese filling to the center of each muffin, and cover with the remaining batter. (The filling should not be visible.) Sprinkle the muffins with sugar.
• Bake the muffins until the edges start to brown and the tops spring back when gently pressed, 13 to 15 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool.

Makes 1 dozen muffins

Each serving contains:
Calories 272, Total Fat 9g, Saturated Fat 2g, Cholesterol 39mg, Sodium 239mg,
Dietary Fiber 3g, Protein 6g

Carb Servings: 1 starch, 1/2 fruit, 1 1/2 other carbohydrates, 1 1/2 fat. Carbohydrate Servings: 3. Nutrition Bonus: Iron (20% daily value).

Each muffin counts as 1 whole grain, 1 starch, 1/2 fat, 1 high protein, 1 fruit