#jumbo muffins

Oatmeal, Peach & Date Streusel Muffins

Here’s a perfect example of baking something that I didn’t need, but was happy to stuff into my face. Guys, I have to fit into a very tight dress for my other son’s wedding in five weeks. Although there are healthy ingredients in this recipe, I went overboard and added streusel and drizzle to what would have been an acceptable muffin recipe.

Okay, so streusel and drizzle definitely takes this to…

Spiced Pumpkin Muffins with Cranberries

So many pumpkin recipes and so little time. Out of the mile long list of pumpkin desserts I’ve wanted to make these Spiced Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins are the second I‘ve baked. I know the season isn’t over but apples and pears are also vying for my affection. I like to buy several cans of pumpkin puree as soon as it hits the shelves. Not hoarding or anything, I just don’t want to be caught short…

Mouthful, right? Well.. they were the most delectable mouthful of choco-nutty banana goodness I’ve had in quite some time.

I also tested out using my own “muffin cup liners” to give it a more artisanal look and they came out surprisingly well and looked like ones you’d get in a swanky West Village cafe.

Anyway… the recipe was super easy and instead of using white flour I highly advise using wheat.Also, as you can see I used cream cheese… it kept them super moist inside without crumbling apart.

You’re gonna go bananas for these muffins… it’s on like Donkey Kong.

The Most Awesome Banana Walnut Chocolate Chunk Mind-Blowing Jumbo Muffins Adapted from Taste of Home Makes 1 loaf, 6 jumbo muffins or 12 regular muffins

Ingredients 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 4 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 cup sugar 1 egg 1 cup mashed ripe bananas 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour (again, I advise using wheat!) 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup chopped walnuts, divided 1 cup chocolate chips/chunks (save 1/4-1/2 cup to garnish on top before baking)

Method In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy.  Add egg, beating well.  Beat in bananas and vanilla.  In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture.  Fold in 1/2 cup walnuts and 1/2 cup chocolate chips/chunks.

Transfer to a greased 8x4x2-inch loaf pan or greased muffin tin.  Sprinkle with remaining walnuts and chocolate chips/chunks.  Bake at 350F for 1 to 1 1/4 hours for a loaf, 30 minutes for jumbo muffins or 20-22 minutes for regular muffins, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.