Peanut Butter Apple Banana Mini Muffins

My mom keeps dropping off ripe bananas at my house.  This stuff is just sitting on the table in my kitchen.  The other day Baby Girl grabbed one and  squished it like the Hulk.  How can someone so cute be so annoying?

So I decided I needed to do something about these bananas.  The now over ripe ones ... the ones that my mom keeps bringing over ... the ones just sitting on my table ... the ones that Baby Girl can now reach.   

I am working on not making muffins with the KitchenAid.  I am starting to feel like this is the way to go to not over mix muffin batters.  The muffin making process is not that much slower with hand mixing.  But the muffins are so much more tender. 

Peanut Butter Apple Banana Mini Muffins
Ingredients:

• 1 egg, large room temperature
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup vanilla yogurt
• 1/4 cup crunchy peanut butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large or 3 small bananas)
• 1 cup grated apples ( about 2 small or 1 large)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F.  Spray mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, add egg, brown sugar, oil, sugar, yogurt, peanut butter, and vanilla.  Wisk until smooth. 
3. In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients. 
4. Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet mixture with a rubber spatula.  Be careful to not over mix.
5. Add the bananas and apples.  I grated the apples with the peal on.
6. Fill the mini muffin tin.  Bake for about 10 minutes. 
7. Cool on a wire rack.  Enjoy!

These muffins were super yummy.  I used chunky peanut butter because that is all I had in my pantry.  I will say that I think creamy peanut butter will be much better for this recipe.  However, Baby Girl has been gobbling them up with no complaints. 

Keep baking my friends!
XOXO

Banana Bread

My mom dropped off a bag of frozen banana's on Sunday morning.  So what is a girl to do?  Make banana bread of course! 

The mini loves are banana chocolate chip and the medium loaves are banana apple cranberry bread. 

Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
Ingredients:
1 stick unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ripe bananas, mashed
2 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 cup mini semi sweet chocolate chips

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 350F.  Grease a mini loaf pan.
2.  Mix together butter and sugar until fully combined.
3.  Add eggs and vanilla extract.  Mix well.
4. Add mashed bananas and mix until completely combined.
5.  In a separate bowl mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon.
6.  Slowly incorporate the dry mixture with the wet mixture.  Do not over mix!
7.  Pour batter into prepared mini loaf pans.  Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until top is golden and a toothpick test comes out clean.
8.  Cool in pan for about 10 minutes then remove and cool on a wire rack before serving.





Banana, apple, raisin, cranberry bread
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tablespoon + 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 tablespoons whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup cranberries, dried
1 Fuji apple, grated
3 large bananas, mashed

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 2 medium loaf pan
2.  Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar.  Mix well and set aside.
3.  Combine eggs, milk, oil, vanilla extract, grated apple, and mashed bananas.  Mix well.
4.  Add in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.  Mix until combined.
5.  Add in dried cranberries.
6.  Pour into prepared baking pan.  Bake for about 45 minutes.

I haven't baked in a long time.  Felt good to bake.  Soothes the soul.  Now that baby girl is older I may start to bake again.

Keep baking friends!
XOXO

Banana Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting

I feel like there is a new craze with Greek yogurt.  It's super healthy and everyone is eating it.  I feel like it's dominating the yogurt aisle.  However, there is just something about Greek yogurt that I don't like.  It's just too tangy for me.  With that said, I do love cooking with Greek yogurt and substituting it instead of sour cream. 

I tend to buy Fage Greet yogurt the most.  I am not sure why.  Maybe it's because Bobby Flay sponsors it.  I dunno.  The power of advertising. 

Now if you are anything like El Husbee and me, there is never a shortage of bananas in the house.  I mean, bananas are the perfect snack food.  They are healthy, filling, and super easy.  I like to buy lots of bananas in hopes of leftover to make treats such as these cupcakes. 

Banana Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting
Recipe from Two Peas and Their Pod

Ingredients:
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs, large room temperature
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 rip bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)

Peanut Butter Frosting:
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1/2 cup peanut butter, creamy
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line cupcake pan with liners.
2.  Whisk together flour, baking soda and salt and set aside.
3.  Cream together butter and sugar until creamy and smooth.  Beat in eggs, one at a time.  Stir in the Greet yogurt and vanilla extract.  Mix in the mashed bananas.
4.  Add the dry ingredients and mix until flour disappears.  Do not over mix!
5.  Use a ice cream scoop and scoop batter in cupcake liners.
6.  Bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7.  While cupcakes are cooling make the peanut butter frosting.  Cream butter and peanut butter on high until smooth.  (make sure to use a spatula to scrap down the bowl to make sure butter and peanut butter is fully incorporated)  Slowly add the powdered sugar.  Add milk and vanilla extract.  Beat until frosting is smooth.
8.  Frost the cooled cupcakes. 

I made these cupcakes for my grandmother's birthday.   The cupcakes are super moist and full of banana flavor.  If you can resist waiting they taste even better the second day.  There is just something about baked banana goods that get better the next day. 

Keeping making yummy food for your family.

XOXO

Blueberry Banana Bread

I love living in a town with fresh produce.  I recently scored some fresh blueberries and wanted to make something yummy with it.  

I decided to try blueberries with banana.  Why not?  I make banana bread all the time.  Why not add some blueberries.

This bread came out super tasty.  The blueberries added a really nice flavor and it was a nice change to the traditional banana bread.

I love making mini loaves.  It allows me to get my bake on, try some creation, and then share with the ones I love.  What could be better?

Blueberry Banana Bread

Ingredients:
4 very ripe bananas
1/3 cup melted butter
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
pinch of salt
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 cup fresh blueberries

Directions:
1)  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a mini loaf pan with cookies spray.
2)  Mash bananas with a fork.
3)  In a mixer, mix butter and mashed bananas
4)  Mix in the sugars, egg, and vanilla extract.
5)  Mix in the baking soda and salt
6)  Add the flour and mix to combine.
7)  Fold in the blueberries by hand.
8)  Pour mixture into pan and bake for about 23-25 minutes.
9)  Cool completely before removing from pan.

This bread is super easy to make and only uses one bowl.  I think it's pretty fool proof.  The hardest part is finding enough ripe bananas since it does call for 4.  

Eat local produce!

XOXO

Banana Bread

Sometimes when it comes to banana bread the simpler the better.  Don't get me wrong chocolate chips, nuts, and coconuts are yummy.  But sometimes a good ole simple banana bread really hits the spot.  

mini banana bread

Sometimes I like to not mash my bananas completely so there are nice chunks of banana in my bread.  It's not pretty to look at but it sure is yummy to eat.

that hole is filled with yummy banana

Banana Bread
yield 2 mini loaves

Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups mashed rip bananas (about 3 medium bananas)

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2.  Spray a mini loaf pan with cooking spray
3.  In a small bowl sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and nutmeg.  Set aside
4.  Beat together sugar and oil until combined.
5.  Add eggs and beat until well blended.
6.  Beat in flour mixture alternating with mashed bananas until incorporated.  DO NOT OVER MIX
7.  Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.  Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
8.  Let cool for about 5 minutes in pan before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
9.  Enjoy when cool!

I usually make all my quick breads in a mini loaf pan because they are cute and perfect for sharing.  The mini loaves allow me to try new recipes without expanding my waist line too much.  Plus everyone is always happy when I bring baked goods over to share.

I wouldn't call myself a baked goods snob but I do believe that homemade is the best.  If you must buy something a local bakery is the next best option.  Store bought pre-made in a box is not something I recommend.  Too many preserves.  After working in retail I know that you just never know how long something is sitting on the shelf.

Buy local and support your community!

XOXO

Banana Walnut Caramel Cookies

This year we switched it up and had a champagne brunch with my husband's family for Mother's Day.  While eating my husband mentioned that the only thing missing was bananas foster.  This got me thinking ... and thinking ... and craving bananas foster.  

When I got home I decided to make cookies ... with a bananas foster theme of course.

Since real bananas get brown and I am not really familiar with them in cookies I decided to use banana pudding mix for my banana flavor.  The cookie dough smelled amazing.  There is just something about banana and caramel that is drool worthy.

Banana Walnut Caramel Cookies

Ingredients:
16 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (2 sticks)
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (3.5) package instant banana pudding mix
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup wheat flour
1 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup caramel bits
1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line baking sheets with parchment paper
2.  Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3.  Add pudding mix, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4.  Whisk together the flours, baking soda, and salt.
5.  Slowly add the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients until just incorporated.  DO NOT OVER MIX!
6.  Fold in the caramel bits and walnuts.
7.  Using a cookies scooper, scoop 1 tablespoons cookie dough on prepared baking sheet.
8.  Bake for about 9 minutes or until lightly brown.  Remove and place on cooling rack.

I brought these cookies to Mother's Day dinner with my family.  The cookies were super moist because of the banana pudding mix.  My husband really enjoyed these cookies.  However, we realized that I forgot a key ingredient to bananas foster ... RUM!  So looks like next time I make these cookies I will be substituting rum extract for vanilla extract.  The caramel bits were a little chewy so maybe not so old people friendly or dentist friendly.  Oh well.  Them were sure yummy to eat!

Keep baking for your loved ones!
XOXO

Banana Toffee Bread

Banana bread is one of those recipes that are very versatile.  You can add all sorts of things to banana bread.

Toffee is so good in banana bread.  It gives banana bread a nice rich flavor.  The right amount will make you think of bananas foster.

Toffee is also a good change to chocolate chips.  Not that chocolate chips are bad but if you are thinking of switching things up then toffee is the way to go.

Banana Toffee Bread

Ingredients:
1 stick butter, soften
1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 overripe bananas
2 eggs
4 tablespoons sour cream
3/4 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup toffee pieces

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a mini loaf pan (4 mini loaves)
2.  Beat butter and sugar until creamy.  Should be a nice cream color.
3.  Beat in eggs one at a time.
4.  Add the rest of the ingredients until just combined. Do not over mix!
5.  Mix in toffee pieces.
6.  Pour mixture into prepared mini loaf pan.  Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

This bread is moist and sweet.  Perfect with a cup of coffee or milk.  AND it smells amazing!  I really love cooking and baking my own food.  There is something about choosing your own ingredients and knowing what you are feeding your family that makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.  

Keeping cooking friends!

XOXO

Coconut Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

It's been a long time since I last blogged.  I know that one of my new years resolutions was to blog more this year.  However, I have been busy and have not had any time to bake.  Which also means not much to blog about.

I have been trying to eat right because I put on quite a few extra pounds over the winter.  This means keeping the house stocked with green bananas.  Green bananas are a healthy snack and also great before a workout.  However, brown or ripe bananas are full of sugar and not so great when on a diet.  

So what do you do with ripe bananas?  YOU MAKE BANANA BREAD!  Okay no banana bread because it takes too long to bake.  What does that mean?  MAKE MUFFINS!

Banana Coconut Chocolate Chip Muffins

Ingredients:
3 large very ripe bananas
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shredded coconut, plus extra for sprinkling
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 350F.  Spray muffin pan with vegetable oil
2.  Mix bananas, sugar, and brown sugar in a bowl until smooth.
3.  Add eggs one at a time.
4.  Mix in vegetable oil until well combined. 
5.  Whisk cinnamon, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a separate bowl.
6.  Mix in dry ingredients with banana mixture.  Do not over mix.
7.  Add coconut and chocolate chips by hand.
8.  Use a ice cream scooper to scoop batter into greased muffin pans.
9.  Sprinkle additional coconut on top
10.  Bake for about 21 minutes.
11.  Remove from oven and cool on rack for about 10 minutes.
12.  Remove muffins from pan and cool completely.

This muffin hit the spot.  So satisfying I ate it as my dessert.  This is a recipe that one should keep in their recipe box/binder.  It's fast and easy to make.  

Khloe the pup is patiently waiting for spring/summer.  This week we have gone on 3 walks so far and that makes everyone happy.  

Keeping cooking friends!

XOXO

Biscoff Banana Bread

If you have never had a biscoff cookie then you are missing out.  They are delicious!  I had my first one on a plane ride to San Diego.  So good! I did a little research and apparently biscoff cookies are European and were made popular as inflight snacks. 

Biscoff cookies are crunchy with a caramelized flavor.  I normally prefer soft cookies but I will make a exception for biscoff cookies.    When I saw a jar of biscoff spread at the grocery store I knew I had to get it.  So good on a bagel.  The biscoff spread is also a great substitute for peanut butter. 

Biscoff Banana Bread
From Kirbie's Cravings

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons baking soda
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 cup biscoff spread

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.  Grease four 6x2 inch mini loaf pans
2.  In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar.
3.  Blend in eggs, mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract.
4.  Mix salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and flour.
5.  Pour half of dry mixture into butter mixture.  Put half of biscoff spread into batter.  Use remaining dry mixture.  Put the other half of biscoff spread into batter.
6.  Divide into prepared pans.
7.  Bake for 30-35 minutes, until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

The taste of biscoff is very light in this bread but yet just right.  However, the smell of this bread is a-maz-a-balls!  When baking the whole house fills with cinnamon, biscoff, and banana. You can spread a little butter on the bread or some biscoff spread would work too.  I prefer to eat the bread plain. 

I shared these at a Tzu Chi meeting and by the end of the meeting I did not see any left on the plate.  I usually judge a recipe's success on how much is leftover and if people choose to take the leftover.

It's a new year so try new things!

XOXO

Banana Oat Muffins

I think I have posted more banana recipes than anything else in the last 6+ months.  I can't help it.  El Hubby and I always have banana around.  It's a good snack food before and after a workout.  Then if they get too ripe you can't eat them cause they contain to much sugar.  Or can you ...

This banana oat muffin recipe that I am sharing is not too sweet at all.  Perfect for those who do not have a sweet tooth.  Which means 95% of my Asian family and friends.  

Banana Oat Muffins
From Honey & Jam

Ingredients:
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 1/4 cup wheat flour
1 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup mashed bananas

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. 
2. Combine flours, oats, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. Beat eggs until light.  Stir in milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the mashed bananas and combine thoroughly.  
5. Stir the flour mixture into the banana mixture until just combined.  DO NOT OVER MIX OR MUFFINS WILL BE TOUGH.
6. Spray a mini bundt pan with cooking spray and divide batter into pan.  Bake for about 14-16 minutes.

I brought these as a snack to a Tzu Chi meeting and they were a hit.  For me I thought these need more sugar.  They are definitely a muffin and not a cake.  But less sugar means more healthy.  Plus the oats are great for fiber. 

Khloe the pup is a very loved dog.  Looking at Khloe the pup it is hard to imagine that she came from a shelter and when El Hubby found her there she was just laying in the dirt.  Now she sunbathes on the patio.

Keep on cooking!

XOXO
Peggy

Banana Coconut Muffins topped with Walnuts

My mother in law loves nuts.  I am pretty sure it is all nuts.  Whenever we go to a restaurant she always asks for nuts in her salad.  She also loves coconut.  I am pretty sure whenever she goes to Cold Stone or any self serving ice cream place she always picks coconut as her topping.

So for Mother's Day I wanted to make a muffin that she would enjoy.

Banana Coconut Muffins topped with Walnuts
Adapted from Amandeleine

Ingredients:
1 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)
2/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 375F.  Line 12 muffin cups
2.  Whisk together flour, baking powder and salt together.
3.  Cream butter and sugar
4.  Add banana until combined.
5.  Add egg until combined.
6.  Add vanilla extract and coconut
7.  Mix in dry ingredients until just combined.  Do not over mix!
8.  Use a ice cream scooper to scoop batter into lined muffin cups.
9.  Top each muffin with chopped walnuts
10.  Bake until muffins are puffed and golden, about 23 minutes.

These muffins where nice and moist and full of banana flavor.  The in laws took quite a few home for morning coffee for the rest of the week.  Now we all know I am not a fan of coconut or nuts so I was more than happy to pack these little lovelies in a take out box.

This is Khloe the pup modeling her X-men shirt.  The pup does a natural look back.  Born model. 

Bake on friends!

XOXO

Banana Apple Raisin Cranberry Bread

So my banana apple raisin bread has become quite popular in my circle of family and friends. 

Since my mother in law loves dried fruit I decided to make it for Mother's Day Brunch.  Calm down!  Other items were served as well.  You didn't think the bread was the only item I served did you?

Banana, apple, raisin, cranberry bread
Adapted from Anncoo Journal

Ingredients:
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tablespoon + 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 tablespoons milk 2% fat
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup cranberries, dried
1 Fuji apple, grated
3 large bananas, mashed

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a mini loaf pan
2.  Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar.  Mix well and set aside.
3.  Combine eggs, milk, oil, vanilla extract, grated apple, and mashed bananas.  Mix well.
4.  Add in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.  Mix until combined.
5.  Add in raisins and dried cranberries.
6.  Pour into prepared baking pan.  Bake for about 45 minutes.

I am normally not a big fruit fan in my bread but there is something about this bread that is so yummy.  I think it's a good snacking bread.  Does it fall under fruit cake?  I am not quite sure.  Make it and let me know!

So Khloe the pup has a little issue when playing fetch.  Don't get me wrong, she is a awesome fetcher.  The problem is getting her to let go once she brings the ball back.  El Hubby and I have been working with her by giving her a treat to get her to let go of the ball.  It's working.  For now.  But who wouldn't do something for a treat?  If someone held up a mini snickers bar and asked me to "let go" I would do it.  Oh well.

Bake on friends!

XOXO

Banana Bread

Okay, I am really trying to leave my banana phase.  Especially because we are in spring and there are so many fruits and berries to choose from. So many fruit stands ... strawberries, oranges, blueberries, raspberries, etc.

So of course my mother would drop off brown bananas to me.  Of course I cannot waste food.  Of course I made a banana bread.  Blame my mother. 

Banana Bread

Ingredients:
1 stick butter, soften
1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 overripe bananas
2 eggs
4 tablespoons sour cream
3/4 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup toffee pieces

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a mini loaf pan (4 mini loaves)
2.  Beat butter and sugar until creamy
3.  Beat in eggs one at a time.
4.  Add the rest of the ingredients until just combined.
5.  Mix in toffee pieces
6.  Pour mixture into prepared mini loaf pan.  Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

This bread came out nice and tender.  I personally feel like it was full of banana flavor.  However, it was sweet.  Definitely could pass as dessert.

Hopefully the Tzu Chi math tutoring students and volunteers enjoyed the bread.

Sometimes laziness just takes over and there is nothing we can do.    Of course when you are a pup it seems to happen quite often.  The pup must be tired from guarding the house all day.  Well done!

Keep baking friends!

XOXO

Banana, Raisin and Apple Bread

I am always trying to find recipes that my Asian family and friends will like.  Not that I don't care about my other friends but lets be honest the Asians are more critical.  Especially when it comes to dessert or anything sweet.  The Asians like to complain a lot about if something is "too sweet".  So finding something sweet to satisfy these people can be really hard.

The banana, raisin and apple bread was pretty easy to make.  I will be honest.  The recipe originally called for dried cranberries but I was out (El Hubby has been eating oatmeal in the morning and apparently used up all the dried cranberries) so I substituted with raisins. 

This bread turned out amazing.  Seriously.  I brought it to Tzu Chi on Sunday and I came home with a empty container.  The Asian people all seemed very happy.  I think the only thing I would have to comment on is that the raisin kinda sunk to the bottom.  So I guess I need to save some flour to sprinkle on them next time to prevent all the raisin form sinking to the bottom.

Banana, raisin and apple bread
Adapted from Anncoo Journal

Ingredients:
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 + 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup raisins
1 apple, grated
3 large bananas, mashed

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 360 degrees and grease a mini loaf pan
2.  Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar.  Mix well and set aside.
3.  Combine eggs, milk, oil, vanilla extract, grated apple, and mashed bananas.  Mix well.
4.  Add in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.  Mix until combined.
5.  Add in raisins.
6.  Pour into prepared baking pan.  Bake for about 45 minutes.

Bake this bread friends.  I promise it is worth it.  I would not classify this as a dessert.  But it passes with flying colors for breakfast, brunch, or snack.

The pup loves her biscuits.  It's one of the few words she knows and knows well.

Keep baking friends!

XOXO

Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Bread

There is no better combination than peanut butter and chocolate.  I am pretty sure no one would disagree with me.  If you do ... YOU ARE INSANE!

Of course once again I have ripe bananas in my kitchen so of course I have to make something with bananas.  Of course my pup in laying in the sun in my kitchen waiting to be spoiled so I have to bring out the peanut butter.  So ... what does a girl do?  She makes peanut butter banana chocolate chip bread!

Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
Adapted from Lauren's Latest

Ingredients:
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
1 egg
2 very ripe bananas, mashed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 325F.
2.  Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, sugar, and brown sugar.
3.  Create a well in the center and pour in vegetable oil, peanut butter, egg, bananas, and vanilla extract.  Mix until just combined.
4.  Stir in chocolate chips.
5.  Grease a mini loaf pan.
6.  Divide evenly between loaf pans and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.
7.  Cool 5 minutes in pan and remove to cooling racks.  Serve warm or at room temperature.

These were delish!   And since I used a ice cream scooper to scoop the batter into the pans my mini loafs were easy to break in half to share or double fist.  I need to make these more often.  Maybe next time I will sprinkle some oats on top to make it look healthier.  Muahahaha!

The pup got her spoon full of peanut butter so she is a happy camper and ready to play.  I swear she should do Kong ball commercials.  I for sure buy enough of those balls to keep the company in business. 

Keep baking and playing with your fur babies!
XOXO

Oatmeal Banana Bread

I try to bring some baked goodies for every Tzu Chi event I go to.  Sometimes what I bring is healthy and sometimes not so healthy.  It all just depends on my mood and what is currently on the top of my "recipes to try" pile. 

I had a oatmeal banana bread recipe that I have not had a chance to try yet.  Perfect! 

I brought this bread to a meeting.  Judging by the empty plate I will say it was a hit.  This bread is perfect for the people who do not like things too sweet.

Oatmeal Banana Bread

Ingredients:
3 bananas, very ripe
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup wheat flour
1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup oats
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup raisins

Directions:
1.  Preheat the oven to 350F.
2.  Mix mashed bananas, sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla extract.
3.  Mix four, oats, cinnamon, baking soda and stir until combined.  Add to banana mixture.
4.  Stir in raisins.
5.  Pour batter into a greased mini loaf pan.
6.  Bake for about 37 minutes.

You can add chocolate chips if you like but since I was going with the healthy theme I stuck with raisins.

My crazy pup and husband keep me quite busy.  These two seem to always be up to no good.  It's either playing fetch inside the house or jumping on furniture these two are always up to something.  What can a girl do?

Keep baking friends!
XOXO

Banana Bread

Why is banana bread so good with coffee?  Something about a nice slice of banana bread with a cup of rich dark coffee makes a day right.

Yep that's right!  I made banana bread again!  This time I loaded it up with goodies. 

I made this banana bread for the Tzu Chi Math Tutoring students and teachers for a snack.  The program started in 2010 and now has a small following of students.  More students should really take advantage of the program.  The teachers are great!  I hope everyone enjoyed the treat!

Banana Bread
Adapted from Buttered Up

Ingredients:
3 medium sized bananas, overly ripe
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup white sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup coconut

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 350F.  Grease 6 mini loaf pan.
2.  Mash bananas
3.  Add all ingredients but the additions.  Mix well until all the flour is gone.
4.  Stir in the additions until just combined.
5.  Pour into mini loaf pan and even out the top with a spatula.
6.  Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.  If top of bread begins to brown, tent the top with foil and continue baking.
7.  Cool in pan for 30 minutes.  Let bread cook on cooling rack for about 20 minutes or until firm before cutting.

This banana bread is very rich in flavor.  2 slices from a mini loaf is more than enough for me and my coffee break. There is nothing I would change about this recipe. 

I do have to say that I love my mini loaf pan.  It allows me to bake and share.  Love it!  Everyone should own one!

This is Khloe the pup and her dad when I get home from work.  I now know why she thinks she is a baby.  Her doggy dad treats her like a baby and coddles her.  Aw how can you not love these two?!?

Keep on baking!
XOXO

Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crumble Topping

Happy New Year!  Man does time fly.  I mean, who would have thought that it would be 2012 already.  I could have sworn that we were just worrying about Y2K.  You know.  When everyone bought in bulk cause the computers were all going to malfunction and goodness how were we going to ever purchase products without computers?!?  Or the world would just end so better do everything like spend all your money cause ... THE WORLD IS ENDING IN 2000.  Man does that seem silly now.

I am starting the new year with a banana bread recipe.  I know I know.  Banana bread is all what seems to be on my blog lately.  But it's a new year and I promise the next recipe will not be a banana bread recipe.  Maybe.  Muahahahaha.

Banana Bread
Adapted from Completely Delicious

Ingredients:
3/4 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup wheat flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 eggs
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup milk
1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 bananas)

For the topping:
2 tablespoons sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoons cinnamon

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2.  Combine banana, honey, milk, butter and eggs.
3.   In a separate bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
4.  Add dry mixture to wet mixture and stir until just combined.
5.  Pour mixture into greased mini loaf pan.
6.  Sprinkle topping evenly on to top of batter.
7.  Bake for about 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.  Let cool in pan for about 10 minutes.  Cool completely on wire rack. 

This was super yummy.  I do think next time I will put more topping on the bread cause a lot of it disappeared. What a yummy way to start the new year.

The holidays were a whirlwind in my house.  Time flew by.  I blame being sick.  The pup was a reindeer this Christmas.  She loved it.  Don't let that face fool you cause her tail was wagging like crazy.  I know.  My crazy pup likes to dress up.

And of course the pup got lots of gifts.  I am pretty sure she got more gifts than I did this year.  She is very spoiled.  But spoiled just right!

The pup also started 2012 by graduating from Intermediate Training.  I am such a proud doggy mom.  My cray cray pup has come a long way.  She's still crazy, but tamable now.  

Keep on baking and cooking!
XOXO