Choco-chip Banana Muffins

       In the summer it seems that it is always difficult to "keep up" with bananas. I like them when they are just ripe, with only a few brown spots. For some reason, I just don't care for them as much when they get softer and are really super sweet. So during the summer, it seems I usually have a couple of bananas on hand that need to be "re-purposed". Fruit smoothies are always an excellent choice, but I also love these muffins. They are moist and will keep for a few days (if they aren't eaten first)!

 Choco-Chip Banana Muffins

* 1/2 cup butter, softened

* 1 cup light brown sugar

* 2 eggs, lightly beaten

* 2 cups flour

* 1/2 tsp. salt

* 1/2 tsp. baking powder

* 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

* 2 cups mashed bananas(about 2 large or 3 medium bananas)

* 1/2 cups chopped nuts (optional)

* 2/3 cups chocolate chips

In a medium bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until well blended. Mix in the beaten eggs. Mix all dry ingredients together and then stir into the butter and egg mixture. Then stir in the mashed bananas until thoroughly incorporated and add chocolate chips and the nuts if you decide to include them.

        Divide the batter evenly in a 12 cup greased muffin tin. I like to use fun papers to line the muffin cups. I always like to find a way to use colorful things and it makes the clean-up even easier! The muffin cups will be quite full, but don't worry. These muffins do not rise as high as some muffins and cupcakes so they will not overflow! 

       I then mix one tablespoon of sugar with 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon in a small dish and then sprinkle generously over the tops of the muffin batter. It makes them smell divine while they are cooking and it makes a nice little flavor boost when you bite into the muffin.

       Bake in a 350 degree oven for 28-35 minutes. I used only 2 large bananas today and they did not seem as banana-y(nice word!) so I only baked them 28 minutes. You can tell they are done if you touch the top of one of the muffins and it springs back.

Cool on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes. Sit down with a cup of coffee or juice and enjoy.

yours in baking-

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