Double Chocolate Chip Muffins

Living in College Station, definitely has its perks. Its a small town-- let me pause there-- it's a small town for me coming for Los Angeles and Houston. And it has a wonderful cost of living, which when you are a graduate student is pretty darn niffty. The commute to school is short and the people are generally nice. But along with being a small town-- there is not much to do, especially if your a Foodie. I love to eat food-- all different kinds of food. But most of all I love to try new places. See the hubby loves to try new foods, whereas I am content with trying classics or new foods- but I require new places. Living in College Station-- this has become a different story.

WELL-- I ran across a restaurant that was featured on Food Network's Dinners, Drive-ins and Dives, called Hullabaloo!!! I had to try it-- so of course I asked Justin and Luke to join me and the hubby ;) and we went there yesterday (what I considered a post birthday brunch). I was expecting this really cute diner with delicious food. It was a diner-- but looked more like a "dive"-- not that I've really seen a "dive." And the food was okay. Very typical of a brunch place but with limited choices. Nothing that I could not find else where. I was a bit disappointed at a place featured on the Food Network-- wouldn't you expect more?! The only plus was the portion size-- very Texas--very HUGE.

Not quite sure why my cheek looks swollen :/

Weekends bring the joy of making a new muffin for the hubby to try as his breakfast for the week. I am trying to do a kitchen cleanse by using ingredients I have-- so that I do not build up on things I never use (it is helpful in preventing clutter). So this weekend I made him double chocolate chip muffins. What did he think: a good, chocolatey muffin. Though I think the hubby is not as appreciative of chocolate as I am ;)

And on the plus side, I got to use some of my new, cool baking toys I got :) I used these cupcake liners that I got from a bridal shower, plus some of my birthday presents-- the muffin trays, whisks, liquid measuring cups, and the cake stand (for photographing the muffins)- it was awesome!

DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS

Adapted from Barbara Bakes

INGREDIENTS

Preheat Oven to 350F Degrees

1 stick of butter, softened

1 c. sugar

2 tsp. vanilla

2 eggs, room temperature 

1 c. evaporated milk or whole milk 

1/2 c. sour cream

2 c. all purpose flour

2/3 c. cocoa powder (Hershey's Special Dark)

2 tsp. baking soda

1 1/2 c. chocolate chips 

DIRECTIONS

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugar for 6-8 minutes-- until fluffy. Once fluffy, add in vanilla and mix until incorporated. Add eggs, one at a time followed by evaporated milk and sour cream. 

In a separate bowl- whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda. Pour dry ingredients into wet ingredients and combine until just incorporated-- remember to not over mix. Finally mix in chocolate chips. 

Line muffin pan with either cooking spray or muffin liners. Divide batter evenly among 12 muffin cups; filling 2/3 of the way full. Bake 25-30 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean. Garnish with sugar if preferred. 

Enjoy,

Chika