Mommy Speaks

Nate finished off a batch of my healthy cookies last night (yes, even HE likes them) http://catchingupwithrachel.blogspot.com/2008/03/mommy-speaks_12.html, so I had to whip up something this AM to satisfy my daily baked goods cravings. This is another regular of mine. Also GUILT FREE. Great for those mid-morning or mid-afternoon sugar lows, except there is no sugar!












Banana-Chocolate Chip Muffins (makes 12-18 muffins)

1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup oat bran
2 tablespoons chopped nuts (I use a handful of walnuts)
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 large egg
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup water
1 cup (about 2) mashed ripe bananas

Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees. Line 12-18 muffin cups

In a large bowl, blend together the flours, oat bran, nuts, chocolate chips and baking soda.

In a mixer, mash the bananas and then add the egg, maple syrup, water and oil. Beat until smooth.

Combine the two mixtures until the dry ingredients are just moistened.

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. These muffins don't rise a ton, so you can actually fill to the brim.

Bake for about 15-20 minutes (18 is perfect in my oven), or until a cake tester or wooden toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 5-7 minutes.