Mama Doerksen’s Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

I knew I had chosen the right sport when I was told that the ideal runner’s food was bananas. Ever since I can remember they’ve been my favourite. A highlight of my childhood was living in a climate where I had banana tree in my backyard. Nothing beats picking your bananas from a tree five feet from your front door instead of from the bins at a grocery store. Needless to say, I’ve been fuelling like a runner since long before I started training like one.

Most memories I have growing up revolve around food. My mom is awesome in the kitchen and it was rare for us to have take-out, dine at restaurants or eat pre-made, frozen dinners. She would make everything from scratch, even taking it to the extent of pasteurizing our own milk. So, with the abundance of bananas and her mad skills in the kitchen, my food-obsessed dreams were constantly fulfilled when I went to the “baking corner” to find a banana flavoured baked delicacy. My all-time favourite are her chocolate chip banana muffins.

Looking at the recipe now, they should really be considered more of a cupcake than a muffin, but with a few tweaks they have been changed to fit a healthy diet. Despite the ingredient substitutions, they rise into fluffy, moist and delicious snacks. As there isn’t any oil or eggs in them, they don’t keep for very long at room temperature. I typically just throw them into the freezer once they’ve cooled to maintain freshness. They’re super easy, quick to make and nutritious; a winning combo.

Mama Doerksen’s Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins
Yield: 24 muffins
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 5 ripe bananas
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp hot water
• 1⁄2 cup yogurt (can use regular or Greek-style in whatever flavour you please)
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 3 cups flour (I used whole wheat which gives it a bit of a nuttier flavour)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:
Mash the bananas until there are only small pieces then add baking soda and hot water. Mix thoroughly then add in the yogurt and vanilla. Once combined, add the flour and baking powder and blend it together until it’s adequately mixed. Throw in the chocolate chips (or any other ingredients like nuts, raisins, etc.) and stir until combined. Spoon batter into muffin pans until about half-full. Bake at 425F for 15 mins or until golden brown. Enjoy!