Whole Wheat Carrot Mini Muffins

So I think that my first mistake is along the lines of "Walk Before You Run"-style truisms. Its hard for me to come up with any baking success stories, both in terms of sweet things or breads. So instead of trying to follow a recipe, I thought I'd get creative. I decided to take a recipe for banana bread muffins and go crazy. Yeah.

The ingredients were straightforward to start with. Flour, baking soda, butter, an egg, sugar. A pinch of salt. I substituted a few cups of grated carrot for the mashed bananas that were called for. I added a bit of peanut butter because I felt like it and some pumpkin seeds for crunch.




















After filling most of the mini-muffin pan I realized that I really wanted them to have chocolate chips in there too, so I added those for the remaining 10 or so. Put them in the oven and walk away.

25 minutes later I come back and they're perfect. Just like at the top of the post. But baking hates me.

They were maybe a C+ for the first 5 seconds of chewing (I'd give the ones with chocolate chips a B), and then for the next 5 seconds they became unpleasant while you hurried to swallow, and then your mouth tastes like shoe for 10 more. They were gross. I'm never baking again.

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
  
• 1 cup (2 sticks, 1/2 pound) butter, softened
• 1/2 cup raw sugar
  
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts)

Directions:

1. preheat oven to 375deg
2. mix flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl
3. beat butter, sugars and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy
4. mix in eggs one at a time to butter mixture, making sure to beat well after each egg
5. slowly mix in flour mixture
6. once everything is well mixed stir in chocolate chips and nuts
7. scoop a rounded tablespoon onto your baking sheets.
8. bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown
9. cool and serve

Commentary:
I know you are thinking "whole wheat cookies.....?" Yeah I made them! It was honestly b/c I only had 1/4 cup regular flour and already started mixing the butter and sugar. I was pleasantly surprised how well they turned out. There are only subtle differences between them and ones made with white flour, but it doesnt really matter b/c they are good and healthier then cookies made with all purpose flour. I didnt add the nuts to mine but like cheese nuts make just about everything dessert taste better. I hope you enjoy!