Food for the Journey #BananaChocolateChipMuffins

In my first blog, I mentioned that I would also be writing about my physical journey out here on the other side of the mountains... So, today I am sharing my enjoyment of baking. Below you will find one of my most frequently requested recipes. If you ever worked with me, road-tripped with me, lived in my neighborhood, were part of my church, or were a classmate of mine in Chicago or Wisconsin, it is quite likely that you experienced one of my hearty banana chocolate chip muffins at some point. Hopefully it warmed and filled you deeply.

Ruth's Banana Chocolate-Chip Muffins:

yield: 1 dozen

1/2 C. unsalted butter or margarine (softened)

1 C. sugar (or 1/2 C. Honey, 1/2 C. Sugar)

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

2-3 ripe bananas

1 1/2 C flour

1 C. rolled oats

1/4 C. ground flaxseed

1/4 C. wheat germ

1 tsp. baking soda - dissolved in-

1 tbl. HOT water (needs to fizzle)

3/4 C. choc chips.

Pre-heat oven to 350. With a hand mixer, mix the butter/margarine, sugar/honey, egg, and vanilla until light and creamy. Add Bananas and mix well. Add the dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until smooth (don't over-mix). Generously fill a muffin pan lined with wax paper squares and bake at 350 for 20-25  min or until lightly brown and the tops begin to crack.

*Psssst* Here's my little secret for bakery perfect moist muffins.
Discovered by accident when I ran out of store-bought paper liners and needed to improvise.

These banana chocolate chip muffins are basically breakfast in a muffin. With a generous amount of oatmeal, flax seed, wheat germ, bananas - and the option to substitute half of the sugar for honey - I experience nothing but pleasure in both making and eating these. I have been making these muffins for the past five years on a pretty regular basis (at least a couple batches per month). The end result is truly one that I can call my own after numerous modifications and variations. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

Jesse loves having these available for the perfect
snack while walking to the train for work, or for
a mid-hike energy boost.