Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Banana Bread


Life is crazy right now. There's Christmas shopping, 6 dozen cookie making, 200 cupcake making, and a million little things in between. I've clearly been baking but haven't had time to get creative in the kitchen.
So I made you banana bread.
Not just any banana bread.
This loaf gives the usual plain banana bread a special kick.
So enjoy this banana bread and I promise I'll be back with something brilliant soon.
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Adapted from How Sweet It Is

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter, smooth or chunky 
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 1/3 cups chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350.
Beat butter, peanut butter, and sugars until smooth. Add egg whites, vanilla, and bananas. Mix in flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon alternating with the milk. Add in the chocolate chips.
Pour batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake for 65-75 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean.
Cool and enjoy!


Mint Chip Coconut Cookies


Yes, I realize it's only mid November but all that's in my mind is the holidays. On this particular day, Christmas is all I can think about. The decorations have come out and I'm just waiting for the tree.
If you're not so ready for Christmas, just make these cookies and I'm sure you will be.
You're probably thinking "Coconut and mint?!" Trust me when I say that it's a combination straight from the heavens. Delicious.
Mint Chip Coconut Cookies
Adapted from Sweet Anna's

  • 3/4 cup butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla 
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 2/3 cup Guittard Smooth and Melty Mint Chips
  • 2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Beat melted butter and sugars. Add egg, egg white, and vanilla. Mix in flour, salt, and baking soda. Stir in the coconut and chips. Chill dough for 20 to 30 minutes.
Bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
Cool and enjoy!


Cookie Dough Brownies


You know those days where you just make cookies to eat the cookie dough? Or brownies just to lick the spatula? It happens. It's real life. For those days, you just need a baked good like this. The best of both worlds. Cookie dough, brownies, and you still get to lick the spatula.
These are made.... with a boxed brownie mix. I know, I know, I know. I'm supposed to be this baker who makes everything from scratch but sometimes you just have to take the easy route. The trick when going for boxed brownies is to splurge a little. Ghirardelli is the way to go.

Go treat yourself. Make these. Lick the bowl clean. Watch a good movie. You'll feel better in no time.
Cookie Dough Brownies
Adapted from Haute Apple Pie

  • 9x9 Pan of prepared boxed brownies, cooled
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon vanilla 
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Beat butter and sugars. Add vanilla. Mix in flour and salt until dough forms. Add chocolate chips.
Spread cookie dough over cooled brownies and freeze for about 20 minutes. Slice and enjoy!