A morning of muffins


It’s been a little while since I’ve baked muffins.  It must be the heat but also that I simply forgot how easy it is to throw a few things together and, voila, you have muffins!

***

After a few requests from friends looking for something healthy (not too sweet) and quick to make and take to work, I decided to try a new recipe, using some very ripe bananas in my kitchen.
I added freshly grated ginger (and ground ginger) for spiced heat and blackstrap molasses – an often overlooked and/or ignored ingredient that’s also a surprisingly good source of iron (and is a healthy way of sweetening foods).  The molasses also lends a distinct flavour – somewhat salty and rich with a touch of sweetness. For a final touch, I added nuts -- walnuts seemed to fit with the other flavours well.




I think these muffins are a healthy snack for any time of day; perfect to pick up and go in the morning or to pack with your lunch.  If you want to add protein simply spread them with peanut butter – using natural peanut butter (or almond butter for those averse to peanuts) is best. Enjoy.

banana ginger and molasses muffins
makes a dozen muffins

2 organic eggs
¼ cup molasses
¼ cup oil – any non-fragrant oil is fine
2 ripe bananas
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
1 tsp each ground ginger and cinnamon
¼ tsp ground clove
1 cup wholemeal flour (you could also use gluten free flour or spelt)
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
¼ cup walnuts (break up into small pieces)

Preheat oven to 180 degrees C/350 fahrenheit

First, in a medium sized bowl combine wet ingredients – beat eggs, add in molasses and oil and mix well.  Using a fork, mash bananas on a plate and then add in to wet mix.  Add in spices. In a separate bowl add dry ingredients and mix flour with cocoa and baking powders.  Add in dry ingredients to wet mix, a little at a time ensuring to incorporate everything well.  Lastly, fold in walnut pieces.

Spoon in a muffin tray and bake 15-20 minutes.  Remove and let cool - the muffins should remain moist in the middle. 

19 comments:

  1. These look great! I wanted a muffin so badly this morning, but there weren't any left in my work kitchen. Seeing these photos helps. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. These look delicious (and incidentally, I love your kitchen spoon - just like a jungle vine!) I've never come across backstrap molasses before - is it easy to find?

    ReplyDelete
  3. These are sooooo bookmarked! Great pictures and wonderful lookin' muffins!

    Great blog; happy I found you!

    Mary xx
    Delightful Bitefuls

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for the lovely comments!

    Yes, blackstrap molasses should be pretty easy to find in most grocery stores - and definitely health food stores. You can use it in both savoury and sweet recipes.

    ReplyDelete
  5. These look like a lovely change from my usual banana muffins... almost gingerbread-like even, what with the molasses and warm spices you've used.
    I'm saving this recipe for the next time I have some overripe bananas and a craving for muffins. Can't wait to try them out for myself!

    ReplyDelete
  6. These are absolutely wonderful :) Molasses and ginger...very lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  7. What an unusual flavour combo! I am very keen to give this a try, they look gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks for the nice words! yes, as Isabelle mentioned these muffins turned out very much like gingerbread.

    Good luck with the baking adventures everyone!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love how you changed these muffins from just plain decadent to healthy and decadent at the same time. yum!

    ReplyDelete
  10. hey, i just came across your blog and i have really enjoyed reading some of your entries (and not to mention the amazing photos too!)
    i've never added ginger to my muffins before...will be giving this a go next time!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks for the comments!

    Virginia - anything healthy and decadent is high on my list of things to make!

    Vivienne - glad you enjoyed reading/viewing - let me know how you like using the ginger!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love how these don't use refined sugar! I will be sure to try these out, im a huge fan the bold taste of molasses and ginger!
    -Anne.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oh woww...those look amazing, and I even love that photo of the mess:)) Wonderful post amazing recipe and photos:)

    ReplyDelete
  14. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Anne - glad to hear you're also a fan of molasses and ginger - so delicious!

    Hi Sandra - thanks for the sweet comment - happy you enoyed the post.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Such beautiful photography as always :)

    Shari from www.goodfoodweek.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. These photos are gorgeous! Stunning really! ♥- Katrina

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks Shari and Katrina for the very sweet words!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I was searching around for these muffins and I just made them and they are wonderful! I added a shot of chai tea concentrate too for a little added spice!

    ReplyDelete