Operation 2012 and Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

It may seem and little late to start taking about New Year resolutions, but I've finally figured them out.  Operation 2012 is a go.

The idea behind Operation 2012 (thank you Carla Hall) is that resolutions usually fall by the wayside once January or even February is over.  Thinking of your "resolutions" as a full year "operation" keeps you motivated all year instead of just after the new year.  Can you dig it?

My Operation 2012 goals are:

1. To start using all those cookbooks that I have hanging out in the cupboard.  There are 15 cookbooks.  I'm currently using two of them.  The two binders that I put together and house all our family favorite recipes.  It's about time I break into the Italian and Chinese cookbooks.  I haven't touched AB's cookbook I got two years ago, sacrilege!  The Dessert Lover's Cookbook, come on.  And my step-mom got me an amazing Taste of Home Christmas cookbook this year that I'm already drooling over.
2. I'm going to take on five foodie things I've always want to try, but have been a bit intimidated to make.
1. Risotto
2. Souffle
3. Macarons
4. Homemade Pasta
5. Baked Alaska
3. Take better pictures of my food.  I found an amazing book to help you learn how to style and photograph your food.  Maria from Two Peas & Their Pod recommended Plate to Pixel.  Maria's pictures are insane, so I knew this had to be the book to get.  I always eat with my eyes first, and I want my pictures to entice you all as much as possible.

That's it.  Operation 2012.  Nothing crazy or unreachable, just things I want really want to make happen.

And now for some happy deliciousness!

Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins
Adapted from AllRecipes.com
Submitted by Lois Gordon

Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 - 6oz cup plain Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 mashed overripe bananas
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  In a large bowl, combine the egg, oil, yogurt, and vanilla.  Add dry ingredients to wet in 2 additions; mix just until moistened.  Mix in bananas; fold in chocolate chips.
3. Fill paper-lined (or greased) muffin cups 2/3 full.  {I use a 1/4 cup measuring cup}  Bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.