Banana Blackberry Muffins

September5

I don’t know how I’ve been so lucky, but the blackberries in my farmers market and grocery store have been HUGE. Sweet. Juicy. GIGANTIC.

Banana Blackberry Muffins

 

A farmer explained to me that the unseasonably cool temperatures allowed the berries to stay on the vine longer, giving them more time to grow and get sweeter and plumper from the sun (when it chose to shine).

I swear to goodness, I found one berry that was almost as big as my thumb. I probably should have taken a picture, but… well, I ate it. But look at the blackberries in my muffins… ginormous, right? These aren’t mini-muffins either… they’re normal size!

Blackberries are really high in fiber (all those little seeds, you know), but low in calories. A one-cup serving is only 60-calories! They are also full of Vitamin C.

Look for blackberries that are firm, plump and glossy. Blackberries that have a deep, dark color tend to be riper and sweeter. Wash them just before you eat them, otherwise they’ll get moldy. I know this won’t be a problem, but eat your berries within a day or two.

Oh, and even though the weather blessed us with a slightly longer blackberry season, that time is almost up… so make sure you get some this weekend!

 

 

Like this recipe? You’ll love Unbelievably Moist Mini-Pumpkin Muffins

 

National Waffle Day!

August24


It's National Waffle Day: http://mamashighstrung.com/blog/?p=6338

There’s something special about homemade waffles.

Maybe it’s all those little honeycombed nooks where butter, syrup and other sweet liquids can hide, infusing the waffle with flavor.

Or maybe it’s the anticipation of the crisp waffle, just waiting for a dusting of powdered sugar or a pile of fresh berries.

They really don’t take long to mix-up or to cook… it just seems like it because we’re so used to quick-serve toaster-heated frozen waffles (a very poor substitute for the real thing).

I always double the recipe so I can freeze some for later in the week. After the waffles cool, I slip a sheet of waxed paper between each one and freeze six of them together in a gallon size Ziploc® Freezer Bags.

Today is National Waffle Day so surprise everyone by mixing up a batch. Even if you don’t make extra, everyone will know why homemade waffles are so special… just like you.


Hi…
I’m Christina Chavez

I was a TV journalist for many years, but with a house full of kids I decided to come off the road, go to culinary school and follow my passion for cooking. Mama’s High Strung is all about food… everything from creative recipe ideas to some really cool kitchen gadgets and cooking tips. I live in Chicago, but I love to travel and write about my food discoveries! You can reach me by email: mamashighstrung@gmail.com