Wednesday, June 24, 2009

June m.o.m. - Banana Walnut Muffins


This month's Muffins Of the Month (m.o.m.) are especially "mom-ish": Not only did I make the muffins to give to my mom (as always), I baked them in my mom's kitchen, and am writing this post from my mom's computer. I've been doing some construction at my house and have very limited use of my kitchen right now. At the same time my modem/router connection went on the fritz and I also have limited use of my home's computer. So I'm glad that I've got my mommy around when I need an oven or a computer!

I went with a classic for June: Banana Walnut Muffins. Rather than use my usual banana bread recipe (which I love) or my mother's banana bread recipe (which is also yummy), I decided to try a recipe from Beth Hensperger's Muffins book for Williams Sonoma.


n.o.e.'s notes:

- When I preheated the oven, it was the first time the new oven in my mom's new unit had been turned on!

- I prefer oil-based muffins and quick breads. Easier, healthier, and often moister, imo.

- The recipe uses walnut oil. I had been storing some in my fridge and couldn't remember what recipe I'd purchased it for, so I was thrilled to try it in this recipe.

- I used black walnuts. If I'd had more time I would have toasted them first.

the verdict:

These were the best banana muffins I've ever tasted. Moist and strong banana flavor. Loved the walnut oil (and walnuts!) My mom said they were "super!" I will make this recipe again and again. What a find - and I can't wait to try more of Beth Hensperger's recipes!

13 comments:

Engineer Baker said...

Walnut oil in muffins? For real? I have some, but only use it for making salad dressings. They look wonderful!

Audrey said...

Yay for moms! and yay for Beth H. I have some of her bread books! I've made her French bread, and a couple of others, plus some quick breads from her book on breads for breakfast. Very trustworthy recipes.

Steph said...

banana muffins are one of my favourites. I'll try making banana muffins with oil next time.

Di said...

Those sound really good. It's funny you should mention walnut oil stored in the fridge. It reminded me that I have some in mine. I have no idea how long it's been there. I just threw it out and put walnut oil on my shopping list. Yes, I checked it first. It was yucky. =(

Megan said...

I love banana bread/muffins. I have an awesome recipe that I've been making for 15 years - no butter and no eggs. It uses oil, which I agree makes for a moister end result.

Cristine said...

YUM! I have some bananas lying around... I'll have to give these a try!

Eliana said...

I'm not a fan of bananas but love banana muffins. So I'm always game for a new recipe. Thanks! I would have never thought of using walnut oil.

Creative Classroom Core said...

I am a huge fan of muffins, and these ones sound really delicious! I love that they use walnut oil! Bookmarked!

Maria said...

I can't make these for the hubs, he is allergic but I am sure I can find a friend or neighbor to share them with. They look great!

Anonymous said...

YUM. I have some walnut oil. I would love to try it in baking. So far I've only used as a finishing oil or in salad dressings.

NKP said...

They look great! I am a big fan of Beth Hensperger too.

Cathy said...

I can't wait to make these. I also prefer oil-based muffins. I don't think I've ever had walnut oil though - I will look for it. Glad these were a hit with your mom!

Unknown said...

I've never had walnut oil but it sounds delicious! The muffins look terrific! It's been a while since I've made banana bread or muffins and now I'm craving them.