Banana Muffins (small batch)

A lonely brown banana seems to be a staple in most kitchens. I often throw my brown bananas into quick fruit smoothies (click here for an easy recipe), which is an easy way to get them off of the counter. But, sometimes you have to cave and make banana bread.

I enjoy a good slice of banana bread. There is something almost comforting about it. However, it is hard for James and I to finish a full loaf by ourselves. So, I prefer to make a small batch of banana muffins.

This recipe is quick, easy, and only makes four muffins. It also uses up one brown banana, and costs about $0.22 per muffin (see below for full cost analysis).

Cost Analysis:

Note – costs are what I paid for ingredients in the year 2020. Your actual costs may differ.

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Recipe:

Small Batch Banana Muffins

• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 18 to 22 mins
• Difficulty: easy
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This small batch recipe results in four fluffy banana muffins

Ingredients

• 1 overripe banana
• 2 tablespoons softened butter
• 1 egg white
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a muffin pan with liners (or grease).
2. Cream butter and granulated sugar together in a medium mixing bowl.
3. Mash the banana in a small bowl.
4. Add the mashed banana and egg white to the sugar mixture and mix until combined.
5. Sift remaining dry ingredients together and mix into the sugar mixture.
6. Add vanilla and mix until combined.
7. Fill muffin cups about 3/4 of the way full (about 2 to 2.5 tablespoons each).
8. Bake for 18-25 minutes, until muffins are lightly browned and an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
9. Allow to cool and enjoy!

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Low-Cost Gifting: Cinnamon Roasted Almonds

One of the best smells in the whole world is the aroma of cinnamon roasted nuts. I associate it strongly with fairs and carnivals, and with wandering around with a little paper cone of nuts in my hand, trying not to devour the pricey little treat too quickly.

Fortunately for me (and for you), cinnamon-roasting your own almonds at home is easy, inexpensive, and just as delicious as the ones you can buy at fairs and carnivals. I have even given glass jars of cinnamon-roasted almonds as very successful (and budget-friendly at $3.64 per batch) gifts on several occasions. People never fail to be impressed and delighted with this tasty treat! If you are interested in more creative ways to save on gift giving, visit our post here!

Frugal Cost Analysis:

Note: This cost analysis is based on what I paid for my own ingredients in the year 2020. Actual prices may vary.

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Recipe:

Cinnamon Roasted Almonds

• Prep Time: 0 mins
• Cook Time: 10 to 15 mins
• Difficulty: easy
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Sweet, savory, and crunchy. The perfect thrifty gift, or a great homemade treat!

Ingredients

• 2 cups natural almonds
• 1 cup granulated sugar (white sugar)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup water

Directions

1. Line a baking sheet with wax paper.
2. Heat a large frying pan on medium heat.
3. Add water, sugar, and cinnamon to the frying pan. Mix it thoroughly and wait for it to come to a low boil.
4. Add the almonds and stir slowly and constantly in a circular motion. Scrape the sides of the frying pan to keep the sugar from building up.
5. When the water/sugar mixture begins to form a thick syrup, remove the pan from heat and pour the almonds onto the baking sheet. (Note: It is hard to gauge when to remove the almonds. If the sugar starts to form granules, take it off the heat immediately).
6. Allow the almonds to cool for 15 minutes before enjoying.
   

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