Prerequisites: lazy Sunday morning, very ripe bananas, recipe requiring minimal prep time, final product not requiring a fork or plate, and tea/coffee and newspaper at hand.
As an added bonus, this recipe is vegan, which not only produces deliciously moist muffins, but also means kids (and adults) can lick the bowl. The vegan recipes our non-vegan family likes best are those made with every-day, non-perishable ingredients we always have at hand (vanilla soy milk has become one of those ingredients; I keep some in the cupboard for just this purpose, though it goes into the fridge afterward).
During WWII, when butter and eggs were rationed, many cooks in the United States and elsewhere turned to vegan baking out of necessity–hence a whole generation of “crazy cakes” and other confections. If you have not tried anything vegan, try these. They are scrumptious. But if you prefer, you can always substitute regular milk for the soy milk.
Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Makes 16+ muffins
1 1/4 c. unbleached white flour
1/4 c. whole wheat flour
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. sugar (I like to use 1/2 c. white sugar, 1/2 c. brown, or whatever I have on hand)
1 c. chocolate chips
1/2 c. chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
4 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 c. canola oil
1/4 c. vanilla soy milk
2 tsp. vanilla
Preheat oven to 350. Spray muffin tins with baking spray or use liners.
In a medium bowl, mix dry ingredients, including chocolate chips and nuts (if using). In a large bowl, mix wet ingredients. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet. Spoon batter into muffin tins, filling about 3/4 full. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick (or knife or fork) inserted into the muffins comes out clean.
Perennial Pastimes 
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