We’ve made it to Friday and while I do have a working weekend ahead, something about today still feels relaxing. Like I can take a second to breath, it’s a good feeling! And it’s even better because I have these muffins/cupcakes to share. As you can imagine from the title, they are indulgent and perfect in every which way. I mean, banana muffins with chocolate chunks and stuffed with a cheesecake surprise? Just what everyone needs to brighten up the long month of March. Obviously. As I am typing this post up, it’s Wednesday night about 9:15pm. There’s freezing cold, blowing snow outside, and Instagram is currently down. At least for me. I googled the issue and it seems that Instagram has been having an issue all day. I really only realized this a couple of hours ago, as I don’t check my phone much throughout the day. This is mainly done on purpose, as Instagram can be the biggest time suck for me. Which is why most of my content goes up at night. Anyway, when I realized something was up, I’m not going to lie, I kind of panicked inside a bit. I mean, I did and I didn’t, since I knew that all would soon be fixed. But it felt so weird to not have proper access to my account. It’s was stressful…and then I realized how attached I am to Instagram. Yikes! Why on Earth was I stressing? This made me think I might need to do a weekend away from social? So much easier said than done though, but maybe soon… I was so sad because I wasn’t able to respond to any of my messages. I could see them, but not respond. It was then that I realized how much I love Instagram for the sole purpose of connecting with you all. Yes, of course Instagram can be an anxiety driven platform. But at the same time, it’s also an amazing way to be able to connect with really incredible people. Through IG I’ve been able to connect with SO many of you all on a much more personal level. I LOVE seeing photos and videos of the recipes you’ve made. Going through messages at night is truly one of my favorite things! It almost feels like I’m right there cooking along with you guys. Which is what I’ve always wanted right from the start. There’s really no real point to this story. It’s just more of a Friday reflection/gratitude story. Thanks for reading, cooking, and hanging out with me every single day. So what’s your take on Instagram? Do you love it? Hate it? A little of both? I always love hearing your thoughts! Moving on to sweeter things. AKA, the very best muffins I have created…in a while a least. I know everything is the “very best”, but when talking about really delicious food, how else do you describe it to get your point across, you know? It can be a tricky thing, so go with me on this. These are some of the very best muffins, and for 3 very simple reasons. 1: banana bread 2: chocolate chunks 3: cheesecake I’ve been on a bit of cheesecake kick since making this ricotta cheesecake. Since that cake, I’ve been wanting to do a combo of banana bread and creamy cheesecake for a while. Since I had some extra brown bananas on the counter, and a snow filled day earlier this week, I decided I’d just test out a cheesecake stuffed banana muffin. I wasn’t sure what the results would be. Fortunately, these muffins happened to be one of those rare baked goods that turned out great on the very first try. When things are perfect the first time around (meaning no adjustments needed), you share the recipe as soon as possible. Because a recipe like that is simply too good not to share immediately. The quick run down of these is SIMPLE. I took my favorite banana bread batter, added chocolate chunks, and spoonfuls of creamy cheesecake to the middle. Then I baked it all together into bite size muffins. It’s not rocket science, and it maybe not be anything that new, but these muffins sure are good. Especially when warm. And yes I do know cheesecake is meant to be chilled, but this cheesecake is better warm. I mean, there’s melty chocolate involved. And that right there is reason enough to bake these muffins up this weekend. They’re quick, easy, roll your eyes back with enjoyment good. Oh, and, it’s not really needed, but a light dusting of powdered sugar sure does make these muffins just a touch more special… See you all Sunday for another favorites! If you make these cheesecake stuffed banana bread muffins, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
