Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins With Chocolate Streusel

When my grandchildren came for the weekend, I made these muffins.  The chocolate chips give them kid appeal.  (Who am I kidding?  Chocolate chips appeal to me too!)  The oatmeal makes them healthy.  (Okay...maybe healthier?)  And they just plain taste good!

I love for my guests to be greeted with yummy smells from the kitchen.  Years ago I read a hubby-pleasing pointer suggesting that you provide his olfactory sense with something appealing when he comes in from work, even if it is just some onions sauteing on the stove.  It is a welcoming feeling, just knowing that dinner is "in the works."  I have also heard that the aroma of freshly baked bread can aid in "staging" a house for a prospective buyer.  

So on the morning that my grands were coming, I took a little time out to make them a snack...and to make Gran's kitchen a warm, inviting place.  

Here's a peek at reality...on the counter along with my recipe notebook is the math answer key, as Bekah was reading off her answers as I baked.

By the way, the muffins were a hit--not only with the grands, but also with Kati and Bekah who have both asked me to make them again!  

Streusel Ingredients: 1/3 cup sugar  1/4 cup all purpose flour 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 2 tablespoons butter, melted  Muffin Ingredients: 1  1/4 cups all purpose flour  1 cup uncooked oats (quick or old-fashioned) 1/3 cup sugar 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips  1 teaspoon baking powder  1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 2/3 cup buttermilk  1/4 cup vegetable oil  1 egg, lightly beaten Directions: Preheat oven to 350° F.   Butter muffin pans, or line with paper baking cups.      For streusel, combine all ingredients in medium bowl; mix well.  Set aside. For muffins, combine flour, oats, sugar, chocolate chips, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in large bowl.  Combine buttermilk, oil, and egg; blend well.  Add to dry ingredients all at once, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened.   Fill muffin cups almost full.  Sprinkle with reserved streusel, patting gently.   Bake 20 to 22 minutes or until light golden brown.  Cool muffins in pan on wire rack 5 minutes; remove from pan.

Do you like to welcome your guests (or your hubby) with yummy smells?