baking with b: banana muffins

B’s Banana Muffins- there are hardly any left!

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t include these muffins as a staple in their baking repertoire, but if you are one of those who does not, never fear: this is probably one of the simplest recipes ever. Best of all, it’s a great way to use up those overripe bananas that are sitting in your fruit basket. Or banana tree. Or wherever you keep your bananas.

B’s Banana Muffins

1 1/2 c. flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/3 c. butter, melted

3/4 c. sugar

1 egg

3 bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 c.)

Melt butter gently in a saucepan over medium heat or in a microwave-bowl for 30 seconds. Let stand. In a medium-sized bowl, sift together your flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

In a separate bowl, mix together butter, sugar, egg and bananas. Gradually add in flour mixture, mixing well. Spoon batter into greased muffin pan, or one lined with muffin liners. Bake for about 20 minutes at 350F until tops are lightly golden. If you are making miniature muffins, leave them in for only fifteen minutes.

B’s Banana Tip: It’s true what they say- ripe bananas have the best flavor. My saying for bananas is this: “If they’re not good enough to eat, they’re good enough to bake with.” Okay, I don’t really say that. But it is true. If your banana is covered with waaay too many black spots for your liking, use them to make these muffins. If your bananas are already starting to go but you don’t have time to make muffins, freeze them for up to a month. Just remember to let them get until room temperature before mashing them and adding them to your batter. Cold bananas make all that butter you just warmed up all chilly again which gets you- you guessed it- chunks. No one wants butter chunks in their muffins.

These muffins are best served warm, cold, day or night- or anytime! The best part about them is that they’re so versatile. Leave them as is and serve them warm with a lick of butter and a cup of tea. Or why not create your own variation? Add in 1/2 c of your favorite nuts to the batter before scooping in muffin liners. I think walnuts go amazingly with this recipe. Or why not add chocolate chips? (Everyone’s favorite.) A co-worker of mine made these the other day with butterscotch chips and they tasted really good as well.

Enjoy!

For more ideas on treats to make for Mother’s Day (or any day!) why not check out our recipe page? We’ve got a list of all the recipes we post on the site organized by category for your browsing pleasure. Wanna tell us what’s on the menu for your Mother’s Day meal? Email us at thetwentiesproject@gmail.com.

Shaping Up for the New Year Starts in Your Pantry

With the holiday season rapidly approaching lets get out of all this festive merriment and set our sights to New Year’s Day. I’m personally not one to make any New Year’s resolutions but I know many people who do AND I know that the top resolution on most peoples lists is to lose weight or become healthier. As you probably know by now I am against the word diet. I am however a true believer in good, healthy eating. So what is the best way to make sure you’re eating healthily and stick to it? Stock your kitchen pantry and cupboards with with these 9 healthy essentials.

1. Broth: Vegetable, beef or chicken broth will help you to prepare fast rice dishes, sauces, reheating grains and braising. They infuse a ton of flavour without adding unwanted calories.

2. Mustard: Consider this your Super Condiment. Tons of flavour, many varieties, low calorie and no fat! You can use this to marinate meats, in salad dressings and you can use it in place of butter when cooking with a skillet.

3. Spices: No surprise here! Spices are the easiest way to add flavour to any dish without adding calories and boosting health benefits. Stock up on some of my favourites: Cumin seeds, Chili powder, Cinnamon, Red Chili Flakes, Tumeric, Nutmeg, Thyme, Oregano, Tarragon, Basil, Garlic Powder and Ginger. (Though I prefer those last three in their fresh state.) With these on hand you will never be stuck for a meal.

4.Lentils: The quick and easy staple for any healthy meal. They’re filled with protein and fiber and will fill you up easily. Plus they’re cheap so you can stay on budget. Make a big batch on Sunday and incorporate them into your meals throughout the week!

5.Dried Fruit: I swear I’m not trying to turn you into a bunch of granola munchers (which is actually another thing you should have in you pantry btw). Dried fruit like raisins, apricots and cranberries (unsweetened) are not only great for snacking but they also add in a nice little bit of welcome sweetness to meals. Try adding them to your salads, sauces or rice and couscous dishes. You won’t be sorry.

6. Vinegar: I recommend having a minimum of 3 different types of vinegar at one time. White, red or white wine and balsamic are the classics. If you want to really branch out I would also include malt and sherry vinegars to your collection. Each has its own unique flavour and will add a special punch of flavour to sauces, vinaigrettes and marinades.

7. Whole Grains: You cannot go wrong when you have this heart healthy ingredient on hand. They’re packed with fiber and can turn any dish, even leftovers, into a satisfying work of art. I would stock up on a few different varieties and play around with them until you find a favourite.

Well, now that you know the secret to keeping on track I’m sure you’ll want some healthy recipes to use your new ingredients in. Stay tuned cause they’re coming up shortly.

Cheers!

The Twelve Days Of Christmas

The countdown to Christmas has officially begun.

There are twelve days left to make a last mad dash to the mall, tie up loose ends and wrap up the merriment before the thrill of the coming new year takes hold. So with twelve days left before C-Day what can you do to maintain your sanity and embrace the spirit of the season? Take it one day at a time.

brunch: the most amazing meal of the week

Oh weekends, how I love thee. Sleeping in, relaxing, no work and BRUNCH. The mouth-watering brilliant combination of breakfast and lunch perfect for a lazy Sunday morning or catching up with friends. Guess what? With very minimal effort you can skip going out, save yourself some money and make it yourself….. Yes, of course while enjoying your first pot of coffee. Go ahead, call your friends and wake them up. They’ll forgive you. It’s brunch time!

Pancakes, french toast, eggs benny, omelets, bacon, home fries, latkes, bagles with cream cheese and smoked salmon, fruit salad. Pick your favourites or go crazy and serve them all then just sit back and enjoy the day as you and your loved ones share the most succulent of laid back meals. The best thing about brunch is that you don’t have to limit yourself to breakfast-like options. Anything, and I mean absolutely anything is up for grabs. When I go out for brunch with friends I always get the ‘Special Sandwich’. It’s so good it’s ridiculous! Cajun chicken with curry aioli, swiss cheese, bacon and avocado on focaccia. My favourite server, Mo, lets me order it even when it’s not in the menu. It doesn’t have to just be a sandwich though, you can have salads, fries- the possibilities are endless.

nine months and counting

Hahaha! No, don’t worry. This is not a pregnancy announcement.

A very close friend of mine is getting married in 9 months and she just got her dress this past weekend! It’s VERY exciting! I was sitting in the dressing room, “I Swear” came on the radio and she was trying on the very last dress the store had of a discontinued gown she’d had on her phone for the past two years. And to top it all off the dress was marked down by more than half of the original price! Can you say MEANT TO BE?!

home comforts: bread

There is something about grey, gloomy days that makes me want to just drop everything I need to do and abandon all responsibilities so I can stay inside and bake. The heat from the oven, the inviting smells, the distant beat of rain against the roof and windows. These, to me, are essential elements that make a house a home- a warm, inviting place where friends and family feel welcome and at ease. And what better way to say “welcome home” than with freshly baked bread?

I’m going to let you in on a little secret but you cannot tell anyone I shared it with you. Ready?

the skinny on a weighty issue

What is it about women and weight? Constantly counting calories, obsessing over a number on the scale while critiquing every inch of our bodies in the mirror before the guilt we put on ourselves for eating a burger or cupcake.

We may complain about our bodily imperfections openly but the lengths some of us go to in order to achieve our body goals are often kept quiet.

Cutting out ‘bad foods’ you love then bursting into tears because you finally cracked and ate them. Starving yourself. Binging and purging. Laxatives. Over exercising on as little fuel as humanly possible. These are just some of the realities, and extremes, some women put on themselves through, every day, to obtain what is usually an unhealthily ideal perfection.

It is sad. It is scary. It needs to STOP!

Let’s face it, we NEED food to live. It is a fact. So, why is it so many women are okay to live with this negative relationship with food? It is mentally, emotionally and physically abusive and you are doing it to yourself.

Lets break this terrible cycle, now.

My philosophy when it comes to food is relatively simple.

1) Eat When You’re Hungry 

Not eating actually ends up slowly your metabolism down to a crawl, which in the end makes it easier to gain weight. So please pick up that damn spoon and start your day off right. When I wake up in the morning I am starving! I need to eat as soon as possible or lets face it, my bitch can come out.

My easy and healthy go to is yogurt and berries. The more berries the better! Calcium, fiber, iron, protein – especially if you have Greek yogurt – vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. You can’t go wrong.

2. Eat Well

It’s not rocket science.

If it grows. If it is brightly coloured. If you can pronounce the ingredients. If it’s not processed or fried, chances are it is a good healthy meal option. Carbs are NOT the enemy but make sure the majority you are consuming are whole wheat and packed full of fiber.

The more colours you eat in one meal the better, so ‘taste the rainbow’ just not the skittles rainbow, every day. Eat lean meats and dairy products whenever possible. This will help cut fat, calories and cholesterol. Yay!

I suggest carry a healthy snack in your purse or bag, whether it be a sliced apple, a handful of almonds or cut veggies – like red peppers, carrots, celery and broccoli, which are all perfect examples and ones you can find on me at any given time.

a beautifully colourful, delicious and healthy breakfast