Every week I like to grill chicken on my cast iron pan and have it around for fast and easy meals. These Farmers Market Chicken Baja Tacos are a fast, healthy, and really good go-to-meal.

I simply LOVE Mexican food. Growing up in Southern California I have had the opportunity to experience some really great Mexican food and given the opportunity I will usually chose it over any other cuisine. In general I buy everything I can from the local Farmers Market, and make the rest of the ingredients organic and of the best quality. But when money is tight and you are buying whatever is on sale, the freshness of this meal will be good no matter where you get the ingredients. All the ingredients here are either organic or from the local Farmers Market.

Start by warming up the grilled chicken and tortillas in the in the Toast-R-Oven, quick sidenote – totally use the Toast-R-Oven for everything,  probably something I have inherited from my grandmother who takes one with her wherever she travels. While the chicken and tortillas are warming up, start dicing up the tomato and white onion. Than chop up some cilantro and slice up some avocado. Once the chicken is done chop it up and than simply pile it all on. I like to squeeze between a half to whole lime on top.

Images jordan benshea photography

My brother goes to school thousands of miles away, so I am always keeping my eyes peeled for good recipes that can make the 3 day travel without spoiling. I tried a healthy version of rice krispy treats, but those were not given high scores because they easily crumbled. The favorite recipe right now is my Banana Chocolate Oatmeal muffins.

Please excuse the rusted pan, since I use muffin liners I have a tough time justifying a new one since it works perfectly

The idea for this recipe started from a search for the “Best Banana Muffins” and directed me here to a great start point at All Recipes. From there I used a strategy learned from my mother and mixed and matched from various recipes to get a simple Banana Chocolate Walnut muffins.

But as you can see in the photos here, there are rolling oats on top of the muffins. The feedback recieved was no nuts and to possibly add some oatmeal so the immediate gulping down of five muffins would seem a bit more health. So alas we arrived at the current recipe.

I am happy to report that I think we have hit a jackpot with these and they were thankfully enjoyed in multiples and requested again.

Jordan’s Banana Chocolate Oatmeal Muffins
I use organic ingredients whenever possible.

1 ½ cup all purpose white flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 bananas, mashed
1 egg
⅓ cup butter
¾ cup white sugar
½ cup oats
¾ cup chocolate chips

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line pan with muffin liners for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set to the side.
3. In a larger bowl, combine bananas, sugar, egg, vanilla, and melted butter in a large bowl.
4. Fold in flour mixture, and mix until smooth.
5. Add the chocolate chips and oats, folding them in.
6. Scoop into muffin pans.
7. Bake in preheated oven. Bake mini muffins for 10 to 15 minutes, and large muffins for 25 to 30 minutes. Insert a toothpick and when it comes out clean they are finished.

NUTRITION FACTS
Servings: 16
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 191
Total Fat: 6.41g
Cholesterol: 23mg
Sodium: 187mg
Total Carbs: 30.36g
Dietary Fiber: 1.85g
Sugars: 16.10g
Protein: 3.29g

Images jordan benshea photography

Made by Cypress Grove Chevre this cheese is simply delicious!

Yum, yum yum…

Found this goat cheese a few years back and it has been a favorite ever since. I am usually able to find it at Whole Foods, and costs about the price of what my brother would say is almost two burritos, but so so worth it.

Image jordan benshea photography

Creamy like brie but less rich, yet complex and with a fulfilling tang similar to a mild blue cheese. And you see that line of blue right there down the center? That right there is just pure goodness, that’s what that is.