Chocolate Pumpkin Mini Muffins

We love my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins, but they are a little too big to fit in K's bento-style lunch box. Besides, him and dairy aren't getting along at the moment so that means the chocolate chips were a no-go. I reworked the recipe to make smaller muffins that skip the chips. They worked out beautifully and he can have them whenever he wants - breakfast, lunch, after school, or as a bedtime snack. The cocoa makes them decadent, the pumpkin makes them moist, and the oats make them a "healthier" option. You (and your kids) are going to love them!

Mini Breakfast Pigs-in-Blankets

The only way to make pancakes better is to serve them up with sausage. Or around sausage. I love going to places like IHOP and getting savory pork sausage wrapped up in sweet fluffy pancakes and dipping the whole thing in some warm syrup. Move over Campbells, this is mmm, mmm, good.

Banana Nut Bread Muffins (aka The 3 Banana Tragedy)




This recipe was born the same way most banana recipes are born in my kitchen - by three bananas that were ready to kick the bucket. I'm not sure why, but no matter how many (or few!) bananas I buy, there always ends up being three left on my counter.

Every. Single. Time.



Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

  

As I have mentioned before, finding time to eat during the day is a hard task around here. And making sure to eat something relatively healthy when hunger strikes is even harder. By the time I have two seconds to grab something, I'm so hungry the potato chips are looking like a much easier choice than some chicken breast and veggies. These super chewy and moist muffins are the answer! The whole wheat flour makes them healthier than other grab-and-go snacks, the oats make them surprisingly filling, and the chocolate adds just enough sweetness to make them seem like a treat. Throw in a glass of milk or a hard-boiled egg and I'm good to go.

Sneaky Oatmeal Muffins

  If there's one thing I love more than mini muffins, it's easy cleanup. This recipe does not require mixing bowls or wooden spoons or hand mixers. The ingredients are all tossed into a blender or food processor. It doesn't get much easier than that! You officially have no excuse to not make these muffins. Go, go! Then tell me what you think in the comments below. Oh, and feel free to mix it up and swap in your favorite baby food (pears, sweet potatoes, whatever you want / have on hand).

Surprise Banana Muffins

  

Picky eaters in your house? These are perfect! I love that they have fruits and veggies in them. I am also dabbling in a gluten-reduction thing this week, so I used brown rice flour, but feel free to use whole wheat or all-purpose. You can freeze them (if they last that long) and use them for quick breakfasts or pack them with lunches. Your kids will think they are getting a special treat, and you'll know they are getting fruit and veggie goodness with every bite.