So here’s the routine. We buy bananas. We don’t eat bananas. At least not fast enough. There seems to be about a nanosecond between when the bananas are green and almost all brown. So I peel them, place in a zippered storage bag and freeze. This goes on for a few months. Ok, maybe more.
In preparation for Hurricane Sandy, I wanted to make room in the freezer for some containers filled with water. So the logical thing was to take out the bananas and start baking. Here’s what I started out with:
Since I luuuuvvvvv coconut and had some on hand, I looked for a recipe that would incorporate both. I found one from Ina Garten, but I’ve tweaked it a bit to reflect my personal tastes.
Banana Coconut Muffins
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 lb unsalted butter melted and cooled
- 2 extra large eggs
- Scant 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cup mashed very ripe bananas 3 bananas
- 1 banana diced
- 1 cup diced walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup granola
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- Dried banana chips granola or shredded coconut for topping, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F
- Line 18 large muffin cups with paper liners. (This step is important. Do not eliminate the liners.) Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. On low speed, incorporate the dry ingredients for about 10 seconds, then add the cooled butter and blend. Combine the eggs, milk, vanilla, and mashed bananas, and add them to the mixture. With a spatula or spoon, blend well but do not overmix.
- Fold the diced bananas, nuts, granola and coconut into the batter. Spoon the batter into the paper liners, filling each to the top. (There is minimal rising so don't worry about doing this step). Top each muffin with any one (or all three) of the toppings if using.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool slightly and remove from pan. Serve warm if desired.
Now I have about 25 more lbs of bananas to get to. Stay tuned…
Kathy Moody says
So glad you made it to the party, and these look so yummy! At least you had some delicious food to eat. Is your power back yet? I hope all is well. I’ve been worried about you. Thanks so much for sharing this week at A Bouquet of Talent. I know it’s been a very rough week. Sending love, hugs, and prayers!!
Doreen says
Thanks so much Kathy! We finally got power last night and I’m lovin’ it! It’s been rough, but nothing compared to what you all experienced with Katrina! I appreciate your good thoughts, and as always I’ll ‘see you’ next Sunday. xxx