Written by ARWB February 2012 Blogger of the Month, Gina Knuppenburg of Desperately Seeking {Gina}.

 

Perusing my collection of cookbooks you’d probably find it interesting seeing Disney’s Family Cookbook {link: http://www.amazon.com/Disneys-Family-Cookbook-Irresistible-Recipes/dp/078686382X } amongst all the other more grown-up cookbooks.  I bought it fifteen or sixteen years ago when I was a nanny.  I loved cooking and baking for my charges and this particular cookbook was fabulous for baking with kids.

It’s filled with simple, tasty recipes easy enough for kids to help with, whether it’s scooping flour, mixing batters, or even just licking the spoon.  The book is filled with large, colorful photographs, easy-to-read recipes, and comes spiral bound for easy maneuvering.  The outside cover is durable enough to stand up to sticky hands {as evidenced by my much used copy} and splatters wipe off easily.

 

 

One of my old favorite recipes to make with my two charges was PB & J Surprise Muffins {you can find the recipe here}. {<~~~link: http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/peanut-butter-jelly-surprise-muffins-676593/ }

 

 

I remember making these multiple times and enjoying them every time.  With this batch, however, I received only mediocre results.  The muffins were better eaten immediately after baking, but seemed dry after  a few hours.  Reheating didn’t seem to help. Also, I would definitely recommend adding 2 teaspoons of jam instead of the as-written one teaspoon.

 

I was slightly disappointed that they just didn’t taste the way I remembered them!  So, I asked myself how I could make them better and this is what I heard:

 

“Self, what goes with peanut butter better than anything??”  And, I answered!  Chocolate.

 

 

I added five “chunks” of Nestle Tollhouse Chunks per muffin.  In retrospect, I could have added at least five more.

 

 

I liked the chocolate better, but sadly, they were still a tad too dry for my liking.  Any foodies out there have any suggestions how to improve this recipe?

You can learn more about Gina by reading her blog Desperately Seeking {Gina} or by checking out her Blogger of the Month Page.