2016 Summer Bucket List

Image

Make popsicles. Lots and lots of popsicles.

Build a sand castle.

Go to a Red Sox game.

See fireworks.

Eat ice cream.

Plant a garden.

Pick strawberries, blueberries and peaches. 

Eat a lobster roll.

Swim in the ocean.

Make a blueberry pie.

Picnic on the beach.

Host a BBQ.

What do you want to do this summer?

Chocolate Banana Muffins

I had a hankering for a chocolate muffin last week.  It wasn't quite a brownie craving but something similar. I did some hunting and tagged a recipe online that looked good.  Apparently I wasn't paying much attention to the ingredient list when I saved it because in my head it had bananas.  I bought extra bananas intending to use some for these muffins only to see when it was time to make them there was no bananas in the recipe. I know I have been pretty busy the last few weeks but seriously.  I was so convinced these muffins were banana chocolate. 

I debated about just making banana bread but we had some just the other week. Thus I tweaked the original recipe to include bananas.  So in a very round about way I ended up with the chocolate banana muffins I always thought I would be making. 

I made these with the intent of making them sweet and chocolaty but also healthy enough to send off with Miss O for an easy to pack snack.  The result is exactly what I wanted. A sweet, chocolate muffin without being super rich or sugary.  I was comfortable giving one to Miss O and didn't feel guilty when I ate two at once.   

Chocolate Banana Muffins

by Emily Morris

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Keywords: bake breakfast banana chocolate

6078594

Ingredients (12 muffins)

• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 ripened banana, mushed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, plus a few more for sprinkling on top

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F Spray 12-count muffin pan with nonstick spray. Do not use liners.

In a large bowl, whisk the applesauce, banana, sugar, honey, egg, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Sift the flours, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, and baking powder together. Slowly stir in the wet ingredients, being careful not to over mix. 

Fold in the mini chocolate chips. The batter will be a little chunky.

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups - fill them all the way to the top. 

Bake for 5 minutes at 425°F then, keeping the muffins in the oven, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F. Bake for an additional 13 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow the muffins to cool for 10 minutes in the muffin pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool until ready to eat.

Powered by Recipage

Lately

I was in Florida three different times in May. More than half the month. In three different locations.  Florida is fun but also hot. Maybe I can have a month in Florida again come December.

Gardening.  We set up our home garden, pots and two more beds at the office. I think we did a good job mixing veggies and herbs. Plus early producing veggies and some for later in the season.  We will be eating well.

Miss O likes to help out in the gardens too. We are still working on the concept of being gentle to the plants, keeping the dirt inside of the bed and the mulch out.

Red Sox.  We didn't make it to a game last year. This was the first year in quite a few years that we didn't go to a game. It was missed for sure but we were busy enjoying our little one. This year we decided try it out with Miss O.

This went well at the game but I think she liked the ducks better.

What have you been up to lately?