Bold chocolate and silky vanilla—bakery luxury, beautifully home-baked.

Velvety Swirl Muffins with Dark Chocolate & Vanilla Cream

I’ve always believed that birthdays are the perfect excuse to treat yourself, and this year, I decided to go all in. These Velvety Swirl Muffins were my birthday indulgence—and let me tell you, they did not disappoint. The combination of bold chocolate and silky vanilla creates the most luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth experience, and the moment I took my first bite, I knew I’d made the perfect choice. Each muffin is a little piece of decadence, with dark chocolate swirled through a soft, fluffy base, and the creamy vanilla just tying everything together in the most comforting way.

For me, baking is a way to slow down and savor the moment, and what better way to do that than with a homemade treat that feels special? Bold chocolate and silky vanilla—bakery luxury, beautifully home-baked. Whether it’s to mark a special occasion or just because, these muffins are the kind of indulgence I’m always happy to treat myself to. After all, life’s little luxuries—like a warm muffin fresh out of the oven—are worth savoring, especially when they’re made with love.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients do I need?

Before you dive into making these delicious Velvety Swirl Muffins with Dark Chocolate & Vanilla Cream, here's a handy shopping list to get you started. I've organized everything by category to make your grocery run a breeze:

Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Sugar

Dairy & Refrigerated

• Eggs
• Cream cheese
• Greek yogurt

Baking & Sweeteners

• Dark chocolate chips
• Vanilla extract

Oils & Fats

• Canola oil

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

One of the things I love about baking is that it’s so versatile—you can easily adjust ingredients to fit your needs or preferences without sacrificing flavor. If you’re looking to swap some ingredients in these Velvety Swirl Muffins, here are a few simple substitutions that work just as beautifully:

• Flour: If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the label to ensure it contains xanthan gum for structure. You can also try whole wheat flour for a heartier muffin with a slightly nutty flavor.

• Greek Yogurt: If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, regular yogurt will work too. For a dairy-free option, try unsweetened coconut yogurt or almond milk yogurt. Just make sure to choose one that’s thick and creamy to maintain the muffin's moisture.

• Cream Cheese: For a lighter version, you can substitute with reduced-fat cream cheese. If you prefer a dairy-free alternative, cashew cream cheese is a great option that keeps the muffins creamy and rich.

• Canola Oil: Any neutral oil like vegetable oil or sunflower oil can be used in place of canola oil. For a more indulgent option, you could also use melted butter for extra richness.

• Dark Chocolate Chips: If dark chocolate isn’t your thing, feel free to swap it with milk chocolate chips or even white chocolate chips. For a different twist, you could mix in some chopped chocolate bars or a swirl of Nutella for extra flavor.

• Vanilla: Vanilla is essential to the flavor of these muffins, and if you want to experiment, you can try different forms of vanilla. Vanilla paste is a great alternative to extract and can add a deeper, more concentrated vanilla flavor, along with those little vanilla bean specks that look beautiful in the batter. You could also use vanilla beans—just scrape out the seeds and add them to the mix. If you don’t have extract or paste, vanilla powder is another option that provides a pure, aromatic vanilla flavor.

Variations

While the Velvety Swirl Muffins with dark chocolate and vanilla cream are absolutely delicious as is, sometimes it’s fun to switch things up! Here are a couple of easy variations you can try to add a new twist to this recipe:

• Raspberry-Chocolate Swirl Muffins: Add a pop of color and tartness to your muffins by folding in fresh or frozen raspberries (no need to thaw if frozen) into the batter before swirling in the chocolate. The slight tang from the raspberries perfectly balances the rich chocolate and creamy vanilla, giving your muffins an extra layer of flavor and texture. It's a simple way to make your muffins feel fresh and vibrant!

• Banana-Chocolate Chip Swirl Muffins: For a more indulgent take, add mashed ripe banana to the muffin batter. The banana adds natural sweetness and moisture, making these muffins extra tender and soft. You can also add a few extra chocolate chips to make them even more decadent. The banana pairs beautifully with the chocolate and vanilla swirls, creating a comforting, fruity variation that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Both of these variations are super simple and will give your muffins a fun twist while keeping the core flavors you love. So go ahead—get creative and enjoy the process!

Kitchen Tips and Notes for Perfect Muffins

To ensure your Velvety Swirl Muffins turn out perfectly every time, here are a few kitchen tips and notes to keep in mind:

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix. A few flour streaks are totally fine. Overmixing can result in dense, tough muffins, and we want these to be light and fluffy, with that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Fill the muffin tin almost to the top for nice big domed muffins.

• Swirl with Care: When you add the melted chocolate to the muffin batter, don’t stir it in completely. Instead, gently swirl it through with a knife or toothpick. This creates that beautiful marbled effect without mixing the flavors together too much. You want those lovely chocolate ribbons in every bite!

• Check Muffins for Doneness: The baking time for muffins can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them around the 18-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the muffins are ready to be taken out of the oven.

• Cool the Muffins: After baking, allow the muffins to cool for at least 5 minutes in the tin before transferring them to a wire rack. This gives them time to set and makes them easier to remove from the tin without falling apart.

• Storage Tip: These muffins stay fresh for a couple of days at room temperature in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to a month—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked taste.

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Velvety Swirl Muffins with Dark Chocolate & Vanilla Cream

Makes 12

2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup Greek yogurt
⅓ cup canola oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.   Prepare a muffin tin by spraying the wells with non-stick cooking spray.

Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 30 sec intervals, mixing in between until fully melted. Set aside to cool down.

In a large bowl add eggs, cream cheese, yogurt, oil, and vanilla.  Whisk together until combined.  Add in your flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.  Stir until just combined.  Do not overmix (a few flour streaks are fine).

Spoon batter into prepared muffin tins, filling about 3/4 to the top of each cup.

Pour the melted chocolate on top of each muffin. Using a knife or a toothpick swirl melted chocolate into the batter for each muffin.

Place them in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until the toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool for 5 minutes in the pan then remove muffins and cool on a wire rack.

Easy Appetizers: Tabouli-Topped Hummus Delight

Fresh, Flavorful, and Perfectly Simple: A Mediterranean Twist on Classic Dips!

Tabouli-Topped Hummus Delight

Looking for a fresh, vibrant, and incredibly easy appetizer to impress your guests? Tabouli-Topped Hummus Delight is the perfect blend of creamy, zesty, and herbaceous flavors, all in one stunning dish. This recipe brings together the smooth, velvety richness of hummus with the bright and tangy notes of a freshly made tabouli. And the best part? You can make it as simple as you like! By using store-bought hummus, you save time without sacrificing taste, letting you focus on whipping up the tabouli—a quick mix of bulgur, parsley, fresh veggies, and a lemony dressing. The result is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat.

This dish is versatile enough for a variety of occasions. Serve it as an elegant appetizer at dinner parties, a light snack for casual get-togethers, or a healthy option for potlucks and game days. With its eye-catching wreath shape and pops of fresh cherry tomatoes, it’s guaranteed to grab attention on any table. Pair it with naan dippers or pita chips for the ultimate dipping experience, and watch it disappear in no time. Whether you're a seasoned cook or new to hosting, this recipe is an easy win that proves great food doesn’t have to be complicated. So why not try it out and add a taste of the Mediterranean to your next gathering?

Enjoy!

 

What Ingredients do I need?

Produce

• Cherry tomatoes
• Italian parsley
• Roma tomatoes
• cucumber
• fresh mint
• scallions
• lemon

Grains

• bulgur

Pantry

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika

Store-Bought Options

• Hummus (any flavor)
• Naan dippers or pita chips
• Pistachios

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Hummus:  Substitute store-bought hummus with homemade hummus or a different creamy dip like baba ganoush or Greek yogurt with garlic.

• Bulgur:  Use quinoa, couscous, or rice if bulgur isn’t available. For a gluten-free option, quinoa is perfect.

• Italian Parsley:  Swap with curly parsley or a mix of parsley and cilantro for a slightly different flavor.

• Pita Chips or Naan Dippers:  Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggie sticks like carrots and celery for dipping.

Variations

Flavor Boosters for Hummus

• Layered Hummus: Use a mix of classic, roasted red pepper, and garlic-flavored hummus for a colorful base.

• Spiced Hummus: Sprinkle smoked paprika, za’atar, or chili flakes on top of the hummus for added flavor.

Tabouli Twists

• Grain-Free Tabouli: Replace bulgur with finely chopped cauliflower or broccoli rice for a low-carb version.

• Kale Tabouli: Swap parsley for finely chopped kale for a heartier, nutrient-packed version.

• Fruit-Infused Tabouli: Add pomegranate seeds or diced dried apricots for a sweet, tangy pop.

Toppings

• Cheese Lovers: Add crumbled feta or goat cheese on top of the tabouli.

• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds for texture.

Presentation Styles

• Layered Dip: Spread the hummus in a dish, layer the tabouli on top, and garnish with cherry tomatoes for a layered dip effect.

• Mini Servings: Serve individual portions in small glasses or bowls for an elegant appetizer presentation.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

Tabouli Tips

• Chop Like a Pro: Use a food processor for parsley and mint to save time. Pulse gently to avoid over-processing into a paste.

• Keep It Fresh: Use firm, ripe tomatoes and seed them to avoid excess liquid in the tabouli.

• Customize the Texture: Cook the bulgur to your preferred texture—softer for a creamier tabouli or chewy for more bite.

• Make Ahead: Prepare tabouli up to a day in advance; the flavors meld beautifully as it chills.

Assembly & Serving Tips

• Presentation Perfection: Use the back of a spoon to create a smooth, even circle or wreath shape for the hummus on your platter.

• Easy Drizzle: For a professional look, drizzle olive oil with a small squeeze bottle or a spoon in a spiral motion over the hummus.

• Room Temperature: Let the hummus and tabouli come to room temperature before assembling for the best flavor.

• Serve Fresh: Assemble the dish close to serving time to maintain the tabouli's vibrant texture and prevent the hummus from getting watery.

Leftover Tips  

• Repurpose Smartly: Use leftover tabouli in wraps, salads, or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.

     Equipment You May Need     

• Mixing Bowl: A medium to large bowl for combining the tabouli ingredients.  I love the ones with lids as they make great storage for leftovers!

• Measuring Cups & Spoons: To measure the bulgur, olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings.  This is a great set.

• Knife: A sharp chef’s knife for chopping parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, and scallions. This is a favorite.

• Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for prepping the fresh ingredients.

• Microplane: For zesting the lemon.

• Spoon: For tossing the tabouli.

• Saucepan: To cook the bulgur according to package instructions.

• Strainer: To rinse the bulgur before cooking or drain it if needed.

• Platter or Serving Dish: A flat platter or wide bowl to create the wreath or donut shape with the hummus.

• Food Processor: If making homemade hummus or chopping parsley and mint quickly.

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Tabouli-Topped Hummus Delight

Store bought or homemade hummus (any flavor)

Cherry tomatoes, halved

Pistachios (optional topping)

Paprika (optional topping)

To make Tabouli:

1 1/2 cup cooked bulgur (cooked according to package instructions)
1/3 cup olive oil
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups Italian parsley, chopped
1 cup chopped tomato
1 cup small diced cucumber
1/3 cup mint, chopped
3 scallions, chopped

For the Tabouli:  Add ingredients to a bowl and toss to combine.  Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

To prepare the Tabouli-Topped Hummus Delight:  Form a wreath or donut shape with the hummus on a platter.  Top the hummus with the prepared tabouli.  Add cherry tomatoes around the circle.  Drizzle with a little olive oil, top with pistachios, sprinkle with a little paprika, and serve with naan dippers or pita chips.

Homemade Banana Pudding with Chessman Cookies (lighter version)

My Homemade Banana Pudding with Chessman Cookies is a Southern essential dessert made lighter and served up as parfaits.  Perfect for all your spring and summer celebrations!

Homemade Banana Pudding with Chessman Cookies 

(lighter version)

Banana pudding is such a favorite southern dessert, I don't know anyone who doesn't love it.  I've taken my mom's recipe and made a lighter version and then changed the presentation by serving it as cute little parfaits.  I've also swapped out the typical vanilla wafers for these cute shortbread Chessman cookies from Pepperidge Farms to elevate it just a little bit.

This easy to make homemade recipe is the perfect dish for upcoming celebrations like Mother's Day, Father's Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, and all types of picnics and BBQs all summer long.  It's definitely a dessert you will be wanting more.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients do I need?

• 2% milk
• unsalted butter
• sugar
• cornstarch
• pure vanilla extract
• bananas - you will want ripe bananas
• Pepperidge Farm Chessman Butter Cookies
• (Optional) whipped cream

Substitutions and Variations

• Use any shortbread of vanilla wafer cookie.

• Change of the flavor of pudding, try chocolate by adding 1/4 cup of cocoa powder of for white chocolate pudding add 4oz of white chocolate.

• This dessert can be layered in an 8x8 square pan instead of individual parfaits.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Since there are so few ingredients you want to use the best quality ingredients available to end up with a quality product.

• Pudding will last in the refrigerator up to 3 days.

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Homemade Banana Pudding with Chessman Cookies (lighter version)

serves 4-6


2 cups 2% milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
3 medium bananas
1 pkg Pepperidge Farm Chessman Butter Cookies

(Optional) whipped cream

Combine the milk and butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring to melt the butter.

Mix together 5 tablespoons of sugar and the cornstarch in a small bowl.   Add 2 tablespoons water and mix to create a paste.   Whisk into the milk mixture.   Turn the heat up to medium and cook until thick and bubbly, about 6 to 10 minutes.   Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (make sure the plastic is touching the pudding to prevent a skin from forming) and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

To make parfaits:  Place 1 cookie on the bottom of each parfait glass.  Then add a layer of bananas and a layer of pudding. Repeat to make a second layer. Top with whipped cream if using and place a cookie standing up on the side of the glass in the pudding.  Serve.

Raspberry Moscato Punch

An easy to make wine punch that combines sinfully delicious Moscato wine, tart raspberry lemonade, and fizzy sparkling water to create a celebratory drink for all occasions!

Raspberry Moscato Punch

With springtime upon I find that we are doing more brunches, outdoor get togethers and celebratory everts.  Light drinks are the perfect accompaniment to spring occasions, and my Raspbery Moscato Punch is simple, yet elegant.  

Made with Moscato wine, which is a sweeter wine with low acidity, convenient store bought raspberry lemonade, and topped off with a lime sparkling water for a little fizz.  Don't forget to garnish your drink with a few berries to make this visually pleasing.   Such a great drink for the spring and summer season, and perfect for holiday such as Easter or Mother's Day.

Enjoy!

Favorite Moscato wines:

Risata Moscato d'Asti
Vietti Moscato d'Asti Cascinetta Vietti
Innocent Bystander Pink Moscato
Stella Rosa Red Apple
Stella Rosa Moscato d'Asti

 

What Ingredients do I need?

• Moscato wine - either regular or d'Asti
• raspberry lemonade
• sparkling water
• raspberries
• blueberries

Substitutions and Variations

• A rose' wine would be nice but a little drier and not as sweet

• Use strawberry lemonade instead of raspberry lemonade

• Use a combination of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or kiwis for garnish

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Freeze your fruit garnish to keep the drink cold longer

• Make sure to chill your wine well prior to serving

• Increase the recipe as need, or make a picture with about 1/3 of the total picture for each ingredient

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Raspberry Moscato Punch

serves 1

1/2 cup of chilled Moscato Wine 

1/2 cup of refrigerated lite raspberry-flavored lemonade
Sparkling water, lime flavored
Garnishes:  Raspberries, Blueberries, Strawberries

In a glass add the wine, and lemonade, and then top with sparkling water.  Garnish with raspberries and blueberries.  

Spring Fling: Pineapple Glazed Roasted Pork Tenderloin

Perfect for a celebration meal; juicy pork tenderloin is roasted to perfection and doused with a heavenly pineapple glaze that's a little sweet and a little spicy!

Pineapple Glazed Roasted Pork Tenderloin

We're coming to the end out of Spring Fling series but I still have a couple of wonderful recipes to post for you.  Today we're talking about a main dish.  One that is perfect for those celebration meals such as Mother's Day, Father's Day, Graduation, or for a springtime brunch!  Roasted pork tenderloin is such an elegant entree but no one has to know how easy it is to make.

Using a tender and lean cut of pork gives you a flavorful dish.  Roasting it makes it easy, you just brown it and throw it in a pan in the oven.  This one is topped with a sweet and spicy glaze that is made with crushed pineapple, pineapple jam, and spicy mustard.  It's hard to beat this meal and will surely be one of your go-to recipes!

What Ingredients do I need?

• 2 pork tenderloins (3 lb total)

• crushed pineapple

• pineapple passion fruit preserves

• white balsamic vinegar

• spicy brown mustard

• fresh thyme

Substitutions and Variations

• Use fresh blackberries and blackberry jam for the glaze

• Use regular balsamic vinegar 

• Use creole mustard or stone ground mustard

• Use different herbs such as marjoram or oregano

• Other glazes: blueberry or apricot, fig would be wonderful

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Buy a package of 2 pork tenderloins if you can.  Each tenderloin will serve about 3 people.

• Brown your meat in a skillet with oil to get a nice golden crust.

• A sheet pan or a roasting pan are both great for roasting.

• Heat the remaining glaze in a skillet and pour over pork once sliced.  Serve with any remaining glaze along side.

• Bonne Maman makes a wonderful Pineapple Passion Fruit Preserve however, any pineapple preserve will work.

• Served with Garlic New Potatoes

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Pineapple Glazed Roasted Pork Tenderloin

serves 6

2 (3 lb. total) pork tenderloins 

salt & pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 8oz. can crushed pineapple, undrained

1 cup pineapple passion fruit preserves (such as Bonne Maman)

2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Remove any silver skin from the pork tenderloins with a knife.  Sprinkle salt & pepper on both sides of the tenderloins.  Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat.  Add the pork and brown each side, about 2-3 minutes per side.  Remove to a roasting pan.

In a medium bowl, combine pineapple, preserves, vinegar, and mustard.  Stir to combine.  Top pork with half of the mixture.

Bake 20-25 minutes or until a meat thermometer registers 145 - 150 degrees.  Remove from the oven and transfer to a cutting board.  Transfer any pan dripping back in to the skillet. 

Add remaining glaze mixture to the skillet and cook over medium-high heat until thickened (stirring constantly), about 3-5 minutes.  

Slice pork and place on a platter.  Top with heated glaze.  Serve any remaining glaze in a bowl along with the pork.  

Celebration Muffins

Sweet and tender muffins filled with rainbow sprinkles will bring a smile to your face and joy in your heart!

Today is day 99 of our Safer At Home Quarantine due to Covid-19.  While the country is starting to open back up here in Los Angeles we are taking it slow due to the amount of daily new cases.  Since this all began we've had several birthdays go by and as I'm sure you know, it's hard to get a good celebration in when you are stuck at home and possibly alone.  

Both MGG and I have had "quarantine" birthdays and found them to be a little lackluster which I'm sure is typical of many people due to the mood this all brings.  Last week a good friend of mine had her birthday as well and she lives alone.  So as a mood lifter I decided to bake her some Celebration Muffins for her 65th birthday!  She love's the look of funfetti cakes but she's not much in to desserts so I decided on a birthday basket full of breakfast items instead.  

This birthday basket featured my Celebration Muffins which are sweet and tender muffins filled with rainbow sprinkles.  They scream "Happy Birthday!" or any celebration for that matter.  Who can resist sprinkles.  They make everything so festive and lighthearted.  They really are the perfect celebration treat and the taste....oh so delicious!  

So I packed the basket full of muffins, added some orange juice, a side of turkey sausage patties and a mixture of fresh melon balls, and left her breakfast bounty on her front door step.  I basically did a ding dong ditch and left them...hahah!  What a surprise she had!  I waited at the curb while she opened the door and just to see the smile on her face when she saw the muffins was so worth the effort.  A small happy birthday song was sung (we make up birthday songs for each other each year) and her day was off to a great start.  

Later, I got a call from her and she said these were the "Best muffins, I've every eaten!"  Now that puts a warm feeling in my heart and a nice smile on my face.  Honestly, these are really good muffins.  I may or may not have made them twice this week already....haha!

Make these celebration muffins for a dear friend, neighbor, or family member and watch their mood lift instantly and the smile that appears from ear to ear.

Enjoy!






Celebration Muffins


Yield:  6 muffins

1 egg
1/2 cup 2% milk
1/4 cup canola oil
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a large bowl add the egg, milk and canola oil and whisk until light. Add in all the dry ingredients with the exception of the sprinkles. Mix batter just until incorporated. Do not over mix. Batter should be thick.  Fold in the rainbow sprinkles lightly until mixed throughout.

Using a large ice cream scoop, divide batter among the wells of a muffin pan sprayed with cooking spray. Top with extra sprinkles.

Bake for 16-18 minutes until tops are light brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Serve warm.