Carmel Bank is the editor and author of Muffin Mama, a food blog celebrating the creation of unique, homemade healthy muffins. A graduate of New York University, she holds a master’s degree in applied linguistics from University of Liverpool and a master of business administration from Bar-Ilan University in Ramat Gan, Israel. Carmel lives in New York with her husband, three sons and dog.

MY STORY

I will never forget the moment my first-born son entered his tumultuous toddlerhood. My cute little Michael flat-out rejected a spoonful of banana puree, pushing my hand away with a gumption I had not known him to possess.

Michael’s reaction was unprecedented. I was shocked to learn that my little one had a mind of his own. Then and there, I recognized that I would have to find portable, protein-packed nourishment that Michael could feed himself…

 

THE MUFFIN

And so it began. I found my way to ward off tantrums. I whipped up the batter and twenty minutes later, the smell of my kitchen was intoxicating as batches of warm muffins came out of the oven.

The muffin became my solution, the logical go-to for any mother who’s pressed for time and agonizes over what to feed the family. My recipes are simple. They require readily-available ingredients, a couple of mixing bowls and some utensils. Easy.

As I stocked the freezer with mini meals, I found myself with leftovers. There’s nothing like giving muffins away “just because” or when feeling particularly festive. I hosted thematic playdates with healthy muffins that happened to be bright GREEN and served perfectly portioned muffins to adults that reflected seasons and celebrations.

Soon, my independent toddler was gobbling up French Toast muffins for breakfast, cheeseburger muffins for lunch, and Thai turkey meatloaf muffins for dinner. For snacks, he happily munched on cheesy broccoli corn or peanut butter and jelly muffins.

Fast-forward a decade and my classic muffin recipes still the greatest go-to when I’m in a pinch, or not, in my house full of growing boys.

It’s my absolute pleasure to share my tried and true recipes with you. I hope they can provide some solace and sustenance. Enjoy!