Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

I wanted to make something for all of Redmond's little friends for Valentine's Day, something other than cookies or candy.  I bought a silicone heart-shaped muffin tin last year and really wanted to do something with that.  Two things that we always have in our house are bananas and chocolate chips.  So, Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins it is!

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Makes approximately 2 dozen muffins

 

 

Ingredients:
1 tbsp milled flax seed
3 tbsp water
2 tbsp flax seeds
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon, divided
3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup canola oil
1 egg
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup buttermilk
3 ripe bananas, mashed
3/4 cup chocolate chips

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 400 and either grease or line a muffin pan.  In a small bowl whisk together the milled flax seed and water and set aside.  In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt and 1 tsp cinnamon.  In a large bowl whisk 3/4 cup brown sugar, oil, egg and reserved flax seed and water mixture.  Once combined whisk in the applesauce and vanilla.

2.  Whisk in half the flour mixture, half the buttermilk and repeat.  Once that is all incorporated, stir in mashed bananas and chocolate chips. 

3.  Fill muffin tins 3/4 way full.  Tap the pan on the counter a few times to rid of any air bubbles.  Combine the flax seeds, 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 2 tbsp brown sugar in a small bowl and sprinkle some of the mixture on top of the muffins. 

4.  Bake the muffins for 15-20 minutes, until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.  Enjoy!

Nutrition Info: Cals: 142, Protein: 2g, Fiber: 2g, Sodium: 118mg, Carbs: 23g, Fat: 5g