Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins, Guest Duo Bakers and a Giveaway!

I don't win things very often.  Try as I might that lotto ticket has never had more than 2 matching numbers and someone else is living in my dream house in French Polynesia.  I did however hit the right number in Jean's, Lemons and Anchovies, recent CSN Store giveaway for a $50 gift card!

Our Giveaway

(giveaway is closed) 

As thrilled as I was to win Jean's giveaway, I'm even more thrilled to announce that the CSN stores have offered a $45 giftcard for us to give away!  With easy online access and thousands of items to choose form, the CSN Stores is a perfect place to get a head start on your holiday gift shopping without having to leave the comforts of your own home.  Have guests coming in town for the holidays?  You can easily spruce up your guest rooms with new upholstered headboards.  Need a new mixer?  The CSN Stores have it!  Or how about treating yourself to a new Nespresso Coffee and Espresso Machine?

Molly & Liv's giveaway rules:

• You must be from the United States or Canada (actually that's CSN's rule)
• To enter the giveaway we are not asking for anything other than a comment letting us know what activity helps you to Liv Life in a better way!
• The contest will close as of noon, Pacific Standard Time, Sunday, November 21, 2010.
• Liv and Molly will work an elaborate math equation to generate a winning number

• We will then send your contact information to Jamie at CSN and he will send you a $45 giftcard!

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My winning gift card in hand, I immediately hit the CSN stores (online, in my pj's!) and found the perfect Cuisinart hand mixer, and I was thrilled that the stores even offered free shipping on this item!  I already have a stand mixer, but sometimes it's just too bulky to take out for a smaller job.  On these smaller occasions I turn to my whisk collection.  They work perfectly for mixing eggs for French toast to making Meringues and Angel Food Cakes.  However, Liv usually rolls her eyes as we begin a big project, but I keep telling her that this is how we keep our arms in shape and really, how do you think they did it 100 years ago?  Even still, a hand mixer is a plus to any kitchen, and this one is a true pleasure to work with.  I will just have to hit the gym to work those arms...

With our new hand mixer ready to go, Liv and her friend Molly decided to put together a healthy snack.  As dancers, they know the importance of getting the proper nutrients into their bodies to keep up stamina, build muscles and to stay healthy during their intense competition dance season.  Still, they were wanting a treat, so we found something in the middle.  Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins have been a neighborhood favorite for nearly 10 years.  The little mini muffins have made appearances at birthday parties, Girl Scout meetings and sleepovers.  Gobbled up in minutes, the kids have no idea that these special treats are actually Mom approved!

Liv and Molly are ready to hit the stage!

Made with whole wheat flour, a few tablespoons of ground flax meal and packed with bananas, these popular muffins give much needed fiber as well as potassium and other important vitamins and minerals.  Combined with protein-rich peanut butter, the bananas and their "healthy sugars" give the dancers a lasting energy boost to get them through their rehearsals.  Dark chocolate chips are added, first, because they taste good, second, because they lend a dose of healthy antioxidants to the mix.  Vanilla flavored Almond Milk is used to make these dairy free for Liv's lactose intolerant brother - regular milk or any milk alternative are also options.

Here are some baking tips from our Guest Baker Duo:

Make sure to have all ingredients and equipment ready, and don't forget to preheat your oven!

Don't throw away those yucky, brown bananas!  They are super sweet and flavorful.

Make sure to measure carefully...

Don't put the mixer on too high when you start or you will splatter your friend!

Try not to overfill the muffin cups

Remember to have fun!  But don't let your mom catch you throwing flour...

That's it!  Thanks for participating.  Liv, Molly and I are looking forward to your comments!

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Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Mini Muffins

recipe by Kim Kelly - Liv Life

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

2 Tbs ground flax meal or wheat germ

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 Tbs baking powder

3/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp cinnamon

2-3 ripe bananas, mashed

1 cup milk (or milk alternative - we have used soy, rice and almond successfully)

1/4 cup water (add a Tablespoon or two more if mixture is too dry)

3/4 cup peanut butter 

1 tsp vanilla

1 egg

1 cup dark chocolate chips (mini chips work great too)

Preheat oven to 350º.  Spray mini muffin tins with cooking spray.  The batch makes about 40 mini muffins.

In a large bowl stir together the flour, flax meal, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.  In a medium bowl mix the milk and water with the sugars, banana, peanut butter, vanilla and egg.

Add the chocolate chips to the dry ingredients and stir to evenly distribute.  Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined, making sure not to over-mix.

Spoon the batter into the mini muffin tins and bake for 13-16 minutes, or until muffins are lightly browned.  Alternatively, bake into mini loaves at the same temperature.  Begin checking for doneness at about 30 minutes... baking time will vary depending on the size of your mini loaf pans.

Remove to a wire rack and cool.  Enjoy!