I love Christmas - Improved Banana Muffins

This post was due about 2 weeks ago, but because I was more concerned with eating than writing I never published it.
Now the story is a little out-dated, but I'm still going to make you read it, because I frankly have only 15 minutes before I have to go back to consuming my turkey leftovers.

So, at the beginning of December I was standing on the platform, waiting for a train to take me to Green Park and a very Christmassy lunch at The Wolseley when I caught that the 4 dudes standing next to me were mocking the Salvation Army carol singers outside the station.
The more I listened in the more I realised they were mocking the whole concept of Christmas cheer.


Now, everyone is entitled to their opinions, but I frankly don't get people who claim to hate Christmas per-se.
Is it that they think it is un-cool?
I mean, why would one want to show in public they're feeling cheerful?!


It just irritates me since this is my favourite time of year.
I love having an excuse to eat and drink as much as I want without being judged.
I love my house barely lit by the fairy lights on the Christmas tree.
And, most of all, I love spending time thinking about what I can give my loved ones - Be the Christmas meals I carefully planned since it was my turn to host this year or the Christmas presents I collected, wrapped and carefully placed under the tree.


Because, you know, for once a year I jump out of my role as The Only Child and I'm more excited about giving and sharing than getting myself.
And because... Have I mentioned the eating and drinking without being judged?

Anyway, I thought I'd be organised and get as much ready as I can before my parents descended upon London starting from some banana muffins that went into the freezer and came back out for re-heating on Christmas morning.
I let them sit at Gas Mark 4 for 20 minutes and they were perfect.


And, yes, I know I already have a banana muffin recipe on here but I think these ones came out better.


Superbly Improved Banana Muffins
Makes 10

4 ripe bananas, mashed
3/4 cup demerara sugar
1 lightly beaten egg
1 1/2 cups self-raising flour
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup walnuts
Porridge oats for topping

Mix the mashed banana, sugar, egg, walnuts and butter together. 

Pre-heat the oven to Gas Mark 4 (170C)

Set aside. 

In a separate bowl, mix together baking soda, baking powder, salt and flour. 

Mix wet and dry ingredients all together.

Pour into greased muffin tins, top with the porridge and bake in the oven for approximately 20 minutes. 

* You can also add a teaspoon of ground ginger to the mix before baking like I had planned to do before finding out someone had finished it and not replaced it... Don't you just hate it when that happens?!