Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Muffins - January 18, 2011

So I'm not usually a gluten free cook, nor am I any kind of cook for that matter, but I figured I would give it a shot. And not being a gluten or gluten free aficionado I figured first let me see what gluten really is. Webster's dictionary defines gluten as: a tenacious elastic protein substance especially of wheat flour that gives cohesiveness to dough. I still felt lost. Why wouldn't my dough sticking together be a good thing? So again I researched... apparently gluten is 'bad' for you if you have Celiac disease or have any other gluten-related medical condition. It seems it can be harmful to your digestive system. Now I have never been told that I have any sort of condition so until I am told otherwise I don't see the harm in continuing my 'normal' diet. But that isn't to say I can't include new gluten free items into that diet!



Ingredients:
1 cup brown rice flour
1/2 cup soy flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup tapioca flour
1/4 cup buckwheat flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
2/3 cup buttermilk
1/3 cup fat-free milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons miniature semisweet chocolate chips
(glutenfreeresource.com)

Directions:
Step 1: Mix together the eggs, milks, butter and vanilla. Use whisk attachment and level 2 approx 2 minutes.
Step 2: Add in the first 8 items on the list (all the dry items) and mix on level 2 then 4 for approx 3 minutes
Step 3: On stir setting add in chocolate chips
Step 4: Coat muffin cups with cooking spray; fill three-fourths full with batter
Step 5: Bake at 350° for 12-16 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean
Step 6: Cool for 5 minutes on wire rack

Tips:
* Always try anything once. Now I wasn't a huge fan of these, in fact I felt that they tasted like dry cookie dough, but I tried it. you never know when you're going to find a new favorite!
* Do research. I have always found that if you don't know something... ask. Knowledge is power right?!?!

Banana Walnut Muffins - January 7, 2011

You can buy a candle from wherever you like, but nothing is going to smell up your home like a Banana Nut Muffin! I made these this morning and my kitchen still smells heavenly. Gold Canyon Candles have got nothin on me. Unfortunately with this recipe you are to be careful about nut allergies. However, the lovely lady I made these for can have all the walnuts she wants!
These muffins not only made my house smell delectable, but also hopefully cheered up a friend. Baked goods are like a anti-biotic you can get without a prescription. Even when you are down they help distract just the littlest bit. And sometimes even a little bit helps. To my friend, you are a strong woman and I hope the muffins help you rebuild your strength ;)


Ingredients:
(makes a dozen muffins)
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
2 large eggs
3/4 cup softened butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
4 very ripe bananas
1/2 cup walnut pieces
(foodnetwork.com)

Directions:
Step 1: Preheat oven 375 F
Step 2: With flat beater mix bananas and sugar together til mush on speed 4 approx 3 min
Step 3: move to stir and add butter, eggs and vanilla for approx 1 minute
Step 4: Switch to Whisk attachment and mix in all remaining dry ingredients move to speed 4 and mix until well blended, approx 2 minutes
Step 5: Add nuts on stir for 1 minute.
Step 6: Place in muffin baking sheet with paper linings
Step 7: Bake for 20-22 minutes

Tips:
* Baked goods get hard and stale. When you are not going to eat every last muffin in one sitting try putting a moist napkin in with them, where ever you are storing them (a ziplock bag a tupperware, etc...). This will help keep your goodies moist and fresh!!!
*ALWAYS use a toothpick or fork to check if your muffins are are really cooked thoroughly. If the dough still comes off as you poke the center... they are not done!!! And don't assume you can 'just see' that they are done. It takes one second- poke your muffin. It will be well worth it!