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Chocolate Chip Muffins by Megan Salib
Story and Photos by Alex Diaz

A fresh baked muffin hits just the right spot when walking to class in the morning or even as a late night study snack.

Students who live on campus know what it’s like to be deprived of home cooked meals.

However, with the new kitchenettes in the outback, Megan Salib, a junior psychology major, brings a little bit of home by being able to bake some of her favorite muffins.

Salib, from Corpus Christi, Texas, enjoys food that offers versatile ways of being prepared.

“I like all kinds of food. I like to always try different things and my favorite would be vegetables because there are so many different ways to make them and they still taste good!” she says.

As a full-time student and active member of Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Marianist Leadership Program, Catholic Student Group, The Bridge and Delta Zeta, Salib turns to baking as dedicated time for herself.

“Baking has been a way for me to express my creative side,” Salib says. “I am continually experimenting with new foods and recipes.”

Salib loves the strong sense of community that is offered at St. Mary’s and it gives her joy when she can share her treats with classmates, friends and sisters.

“I have gotten a lot of compliments from friends for my brownie cheesecake,” Salib says.

After graduating from St. Mary’s, Salib plans to commit to a year of service before applying to graduate school for social work.

“I want to help children find a safe environment they can grow up in,” Salib explains. “I want to eventually work with adoption agencies.”

This Chocolate Chip Muffin recipe allows for creative freedom, one of the main reasons why it is at the Salib household.

“I chose this recipe because it was something my family used to make for breakfast before I went to school. It’s easy and you can always change it and add different things to it like fruit or nuts,” Salib explains.

Baking does not always have to be a step by step activity.

“Make it your own,” Salib says. “By changing ingredients in a recipe, a new dish is created every time.”

Ingredients

• 1 c whole wheat flour
• 1 c sugar
• 1 T vanilla
• 1/2 c applesauce
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 egg whites
• 3/4 c chocolate chips
• 2 T brown sugar
• 1 packet vanilla pudding mix

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix together the applesauce and egg whites. Slowly add in dry ingredients until an even consistency is created.  Line the muffin pan with liners and fill the cups 3/4 full. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. Let muffins cool before removing them from the pan. Recipe makes about 8 servings.

Filed under: Class Projects, Desserts, Recipes | Tagged: alex diaz, breakfast, chocolate, megan salib, muffins, St. Mary's University, taste of stmu |