Muffin Monday: Mocha Muffins with Chocolate Chips and Cashews

I had a full week at work last week… and I can’t believe I spent the weekend partying.

Okay. Not really partying. I’ve never been the  clubbing kinda girl. I’m more of a chill person – meet up with friends for dinner, drinks, coffee. I never appreciated clubs and dancing. I have two left feet. Heh.

So yeah. My weekend was full of food and catching up with friends. Although rest is a bit elusive, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I had dinner and mojitos with my best friends in college last Friday. Being with them makes me feel as if I were young and carefree. It’s like we never changed. We may not see each other often, but when we do, it’s just fun and happy. It’s comforting.

Saturday was spent the same way. I had dinner and coffee with three of the best people I have worked with. I started working in 2006 and we’ve been friends since, even though we’re now in different companies.

Sunday night was the bomb. My friend Yella was given complimentary tickets to Katy Perry’s California Dreams Tour concert as a birthday present. She’s out beaching and she gave us the tickets. I went with Charls, one of our best friends in college. To say that it was fun is an understatement. Check out #ManilaDreams to get a feel of what it was like.

It’s 1.45am, Monday, as I am writing this. I know I should get to bed but I’m still on adrenaline high. And besides, we don’t have work today! (Kung Hei Fat Choi to all Chinese out there!)

It’s one of those rare Mondays that I look forward to. Oh, the joy of sleeping in knowing that there’s no work waiting for you when you finally get up.

It’s one of those times when you can slowly sip your freshly brewed coffee.

A day to cherish for those like me who abhor Mondays.

And you know what makes Mondays like this better?



Pairing your favorite blend of coffee with something just as good: Mocha Muffins.

And even better, you get to enjoy each and every bite (and sip) of coffee goodness.

What’s not to love about mornings like this?

Mocha Muffins with Chocolate Chips and Pecans 

Adapted from Bon Appétit 

1/4 cup hot water
1 tablespoon instant espresso powder, I used kapeng barako for that “kick”
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed golden brown sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans (about 4 ounces), toasted, I used toasted cashews 

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line twelve 1/2-cup muffin cups with paper liners. 

Stir 1/4 cup hot water and espresso powder in medium bowl until espresso powder dissolves. 

Add buttermilk, oil, eggs and vanilla and whisk until well blended. Mix flour, sugar, brown sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. 

Add buttermilk mixture and stir just until combined. Mix in chocolate chips and pecans. 

Divide batter equally among prepared muffin cups. 

Bake until tester inserted into center of muffins comes out clean, about 25 minutes. 

Transfer muffins to rack and cool.

Happy Monday, everyone!

Muffin Monday is an initiative by Baker Street. A culinary journey of sharing a wickedly delicious muffin recipe every week. Drop in a quick line to join her on her journey to make the world smile and beat glum Monday mornings week after week.