boosted breakfast #CarnationBreakfastEssentials

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I've never been a breakfast-skipper. At least, I can't remember ever doing it, unless something major intervened.

Frankly, breakfast is the main reason I jump drag myself out of bed in the morning! While a bowl of cereal will suffice in instances of extreme bleary-eyedness, I usually like to have something a little more special, whether it's steel cut oats, banana bread, or something in between.

Do you know about Carnation Breakfast Essentials®? You've probably seen their ready-to-drink bottles, but they've also rolled out a powdered drink mix that delivers ease, convenience, and nutrition--the breakfast trifecta! All you have to do is mix the powder with milk to create a scrumptious and satisfying drink. However, you can get creative with these versatile and fresh products too, and use the powder to make some good ol' standbys even more nutritious and delicious!

This recipe for banana pecan muffins is one of my absolute favorites, and I was surprised to find that it hadn't made its way onto the blog yet! They've got great lift and texture, and the flavors of the bananas and vanilla really stand out. The crumb topping, though not essential, is a really great component. If you have an extra 3 minutes and 17 seconds (yes, I did, in fact, time myself), go ahead and include it!

Since these are some of my favorite muffins, I've made them many, many times. If you're wondering how the Carnation Breakfast Essentials® powder affects them, you need not be concerned. Though the texture was slightly different, it was just as fluffy and fabulous. The taste is even better, assuming you're a fan of vanilla. (Are there people who don't like vanilla?) The powder is an addition that does nothing but enhance an already-terrific batch of muffins!

I encourage you to stock up on these powders and drinks--they're a great option for those mornings when time is of the essence! Carnation Breakfast Essentials® also offers a Light Start option too, if that suits you better--it's still indulgent and delicious but with fewer calories and sugar. There's something for everyone and every day! Check out and like Carnation Breakfast Essentials® on Facebook for more info!

Boosted Banana Muffins
(printable recipe)
Makes 14 muffins
Ingredients:
Muffins:

• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet vanilla Carnation Breakfast Essentials® powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 4 ripe bananas, mashed
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup milk

Topping:

• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch salt
• 1 tablespoon butter, cold

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line 14 muffin cups with muffin papers and spray lightly with nonstick spray.
In a large bowl, mix together flour, Carnation Breakfast Essentials® powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pecans.
In another bowl, combine the bananas, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, melted butter, and milk.
Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened--don't overdo it!
Portion the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, each about 3/4 full.
To make the topping, in a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt.
Cut in the cold butter until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.
Sprinkle topping over muffins.
Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.
I like to turn on the broiler for a minute or two right at the end to crisp up that topping, but it's not necessary.
Cool for about 5 minutes in the pan, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.