"Almond Joy" Espresso Banana Muffins

Happy 2013 everyone! While I absolutely loathe New Years Eve, I can support starting the new year full of hope and ambition. I can also support starting off the year with a clean slate, ready to try new things and taking chances.

You may have noticed that things have changed quite a bit here at HTIC. When it comes to blogging (and life for that matter) the only way to get out of a rut is to shake things up. I absolutely love my little space here, but for many reasons its been pushed onto the back burner for the past few months. I hope that this little makeover paired with a fresh year full of possibilities will bring back a little consistency. Because I know I love to cook and I'm sure you all appreciate the tasty recipes I have to share :D

I thought I'd start off the year with a muffin recipe from Ms. Heidi Swanson, the incredible genius behind 101 Cookbooks and these two amazing cookbooks. I knew they would be the perfect way to repackage a bunch of bananas I neglected over the holiday season.

We've all done it. Left the bananas in that random corner of the kitchen or pantry until they're almost completely black. Good thing they still have great flavor, can be mashed up in a jiff and folded into muffin or cake batters.

Like usual when I'm using someone else's recipe I put my own spin on Heidi's muffins. The original recipe calls for walnuts, but I used almonds instead. I also mixed in some bittersweet chocolate chunks because honestly who doesn't need more chocolate? On top I sprinkled more almonds, cocoa nibs and toasted coconut.

Almost like an Almond Joy and a muffin had a sweet delicious baby. I think Mom would have approved.

These muffins are perfect to start the New Year out right, especially if one of your resolutions was to start eating breakfast or incorporating more whole grains into your diet. Made with white whole wheat flour, these muffins have a bit more fiber than your typical Starbucks blueberry mega-muffin. Also, feel free to substitute some of the butter with applesauce or cut the sugar in half. If you try this let me know how it turns out!

I'd love to hear your thoughts about HTIC, what recipes you think I should be cooking, what products I should be trying, really whatever is on your mind! Thanks for continuing to read and I wish you all a safe and happy 2013!

"Almond Joy" Espresso Banana Muffins 
Adapted from Super Natural Cooking

2 cups white whole wheat flour (could replace half with 100% whole wheat flour)
2 t. baking powder
1 T. espresso powder (could be replaced with any finely ground coffee) 
Pinch of salt
1.25 cups toasted almonds
6 T. butter, room temperature
3/4 cup sugar (could be cut in half for a less sweet muffin)
2 eggs
1 cup Chobani Vanilla Yogurt
1 t. vanilla extract
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate chunks (could use milk or dark)
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut, toasted
2 T. cocoa nibs

1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. In a medium bowl combine flour, baking powder, salt, espresso powder and 3/4 cup toasted almonds.
3. In a large bowl cream butter until light and fluffy (can use hand or stand mixer). Add in sugar and mix until well combined and fluffy (about 1 minute).
4. Add in eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Add yogurt, vanilla extract and bananas and mix until just combined.
5. Add dry ingredients to wet in three additions, mixing until just combined. Fold in chocolate chunks with a spoon.
6. Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray (or use cupcake liners). Using a spoon or a cookie scoop (I used this scoop from OXO and it worked perfectly), fill tins to the top. Divide the remaining almonds, coconut and cocoa nibs between the muffins and sprinkle over top.
7. Bake muffins for 25 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. Set on wire rack to cool for 10-15 minutes. Use a knife to gently remove them from the tin and set on wire rack to cool for an additional 10-15 minutes.
8. Serve with your breakfast beverage of choice and a bit of fruit. Enjoy!

What I'm Listening to Today
Big Parade: The Lumineers
California: Delta Spirit 
Barton Hallow: The Civil Wars