Peanut Butter Banana Muffins

My friend Kristin shared this recipe with me from Deceptively Delicious and I had to share it with you. They are so yummy that I have made them twice already! The best part is the hint she shared with me. Wrap them up and freeze them! Microwave them for 20 seconds and you're good to go. I love these for a special treat for my son, or lazy mornings I'll share a half with him and we'll eat it with fruit and yogurt. But I have to call them cupcakes, not muffins, or Parker won't eat them. Of course.

OK, so I admit that I added one bonus non-deceptive ingredient: mini chocolate chips. I had them on hand and thought it would be cute to make a smiley face on each one.


Ingredients:
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar.
1/2 cup natural peanut butter (edit: or you can substitute with something like almond butter... yum)
1/2 cup carrot or cauliflower puree (I just used one of those carrot baby food jars)
1/2 cup banana puree (about 2 ripe bananas smashed)
1 large egg white (I just put the whole egg in... kids can handle a little cholesterol, right?)
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
(optional) Handful mini chocolate chips (or just decorative on top)

Edit: Other ingredients I've tried with success:
(optional) 1 tbsp ground flax seed
(optional) 1 tbsp fiber powder

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 Degrees Fahrenheit. Coat 12 cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray or line with muffin tins.

In a large bowl, mix the brown sugar, peanut butter (or substitute), purees and the egg with a wooden spoon.

Put the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a ziploc bag or bowl and mix. Add to the peanut butter mixture and stir until just combined.

Divide the batter into the muffin cups. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on rack.

Hint: After cooling, wrap each muffin with saran wrap, and then put them all in a gallon freezer bag before freezing them. Then you can take them out of the bag one at a time as needed. They don't stay as fresh without the bag. But be sure to sample at least one of them fresh from the oven... just to make sure they're good. ;)

----------------
"When I told you my troubles, you answered my prayers." Psalm 119:26

"I obey your word instead of following a way that leads to trouble. You have been my teacher, and I won't reject your instructions. Your teachings are sweeter than honey. They give me understanding and make me hate all lies." Psalm 119:101-104