Intro...

Im not really sure how im going to go about this blog.  I don't really even know how i just got this inner drive to bake.  I dont have a background in baking....my family does...i never did...watching food network and going on blogs i got inspired to try it for myself.  I love cookies and cupcakes...my body doesn't, but making them is fun....

I am learning...but im really enjoying it....and so are my co-workers and my husband's co-workers ;)  I have been sending them with hubby and taking them to work with me for others to enjoy...so i can continue to fit in my clothes ;)

My mom is a great cook/baker.  So was my grandmother.  Coming from an Italian background, it is second hand to them.  My sister is also an amazing baker/cake maker...she has the creativeness and the patience for the tedious things...i dont know how she does it....examples....

I dont think i can ever be that good..

So besides that,  i know what my limitations are as a beginner. 

EATING the cakes and the cookies and the food...that is the easy part...making them myself?   That is where it gets interesting :)  So, here I am...38 years old....and finding a new joy in baking.  Who knows where it will go...or how long before i scream and give up...but i am going to give it a try...and i will see where it takes me.

Banana Walnut Crumb Muffins

Banana Walnut Crumb Muffins

I had 3 ripe bananas..i was looking for an easy recipe that i could make that i would be able to tweak a little to make it "somewhat" healthy.  I did...thanks to a blog that i found "Culinary in the Country" i made these

Banana Muffins :) 

I changed it up a  little bit to make it a "little" bit healthier...i did wind up using real sugar but I used I cant believe its not butter, and i added a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the mix.  Also, i added a handful of chocolate chips and i also added some walnuts into the batter...not just in the topping :)

Banana Walnut Crumb Muffins

For the muffin batter

1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large ripe bananas -- mashed with a fork
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg -- well beaten
1/3 cup butter -- melted ( i used I cant believe its not butter)

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

For the Crumb Top

1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon flour
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon cold butter
1/4 cup finely chopped, toasted walnuts

Set oven to 375 degrees. Lightly spray a 12 cup muffin pan with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine all dry muffin ingredients (except for the sugar). In another bowl, combine the bananas, sugar, egg and melted butter; mix well, stir into the dry ingredients, only until moistened. Fill the muffin cups 3/4 cup full.

Crumb Topping: Combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon; cut into butter until crumbly, add in the nuts. Sprinkle over muffins.

Bake 18-20 minutes, or until muffins test done. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack.

Here are some pics...

Im not a food photographer...and i took them with my iphone....

I was pretty excited...they smelled sooo good while they were baking...and yes i had a half of one :)

the rest went to work with me and with hubby...