banana oat muffins

I love bananas and I love oatmeal. Add the two together and you get some fantastic banana oatmeal muffins. Oats are packed with fiber and slow-release, sustaining energy that's great for providing energy throughout the day. Oats also help control blood sugar levels, lower LDL, reduce chances of cardiovascular diseases and are packed with essential vitamins and minerals.

This recipe for Banana Oat Muffins is low in fat and sugar which is perfect for all those New Year's resolutioners out there!

Banana Oat Muffins
From Gordon Ramsay's Healthy Appetite, Serves 8

Ingredients:
- 1 1/3 cup oats
- 1 1/2 cups AP Flour (you can substitute w/ whole wheat but it comes out denser)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 4 ripe bananas (very brown and dark on the outside)
- 1 egg
- 4 tablespoon neutral oil (or light olive oil, NOT extra virgin)
- 1/4 cup walnuts

**PREHEAT OVEN TO 350°F**

1) In a bowl, mix together the oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Give it a quick whisk to make sure everything is well incorporated.
2) In a separate bowl, mash the 4 bananas together, add the egg, brown sugar and the oil. Mix until it comes together.
3) In batches (I do 3), add the dry mixture to the wet works making sure not to overmix.
4) When the mixture is about 3/4 ways done mixing together, add the walnuts and fold over until the batter becomes smooth and lovely.

You can make variations to the recipe by substituting pecans for the walnuts or adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Get creative with it but make sure the ingredients go well together. Next up, a step by step cookalong on how to make homemade bread. (with pictures!)
5) Pour into lined muffin cups and bake for about 20 - 25 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.