Don’t worry, I’m not trying to send the internet back to the ’80’s or early 90’s. There’s nothing wrong with eating fat, of course, but I find reduced-fat muffins and other baked goods easier to work with to create balanced meals than higher fat versions. Given my own devices, my meals would tend to higher fat than necessary, so anything that helps to push it down into a more reasonable level can help me stay focused on my goals and still enjoy these foods. If you need them to be even leaner for some reason, you could of course take out the walnuts or use fewer of them. Sprinkling a few on top instead of mixing them into the batter can be a great way to enjoy some nutty flavor.
Reduced Fat Banana Walnut Muffins
These muffins are sweet and nutty, if you use the full amount of nuts. They’re delicious warm out of the oven and can also be easily frozen and reheated as wanted. This recipe started as a recipe for Applesauce Muffins from Jane Brody’s Good Food Book, a classic low-fat, high-carb nutrition and recipe book from the low-fat glory days. Even though I’m happily not on the low-fat diet train anymore, I still use many of the recipes from this book as they are clearly well-tested and the flavors are often very good.
one. Preheat the oven to 375oF and prepare a muffin tin with space for 12 8oz. muffins. I strongly recommend using parchment muffin liners if you’re going to be freezing some for later. They remain nonstick and can be microwaved for easy reheating.
two. Stir together in a bowl:
1 1/4 cups mashed bananas (just over 2 large bananas)
1 large egg
2 Tbs. oil or melted butter
1/4 cup honey
three. In another bowl, whisk together:
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup white flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
four. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, just until moistened. Stir in:
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
five. Place into prepared muffin cups until nearly filled, about 1/4 cup mix into each.
six. Bake at 375oF for 20 minutes, or until slightly browned on top and they bounce back when touched with a fingertip in the center. Cool completely on a rack before storing.
Progressive Strength 