Cheesy Spicy Corn Muffins

I have tried making cornbread muffins a number of times before but never achieved a result worth sharing on the blog, until now. I hit on a really great recipe from a site on Pinterest - http://www.thecomfortofcooking.com/2012/05/jalapeno-cheddar-cornbread-muffins.html - and made these wonderful Jalapeno Cheddar Corn Muffins - a blend of sweet and spicy. Cornbread batter is my current favourite to make - no fuss, melted butter, easiest to mix...what's not to like? Plus it's a great weekend activity, doesnt take long to whip up and you've got an interesting addition for Sunday brunch.

Here's my nice warm plate of cheesy muffins.

Jalapeno Cheddar Muffins - the one in the center has melted cheese on top

On an impulse, just as they were about to go into the oven, I topped four muffins with the shredded cheese just to see what happened when they baked. And because I didnt want to ruin all the muffins in case the cheese burned, I only topped four muffins. After they came out and had cooled down enough to handle, I wished I'd topped all of them....the cheese-topped ones turned out great with that extra pop of flavour on top.

Love the slight crumbing

This is an elegant muffin, with a complex mix of flavours - the batter has sugar and honey, which contrast perfectly with the heat of the jalapeno. All in all, one of my favourite muffins both to make and eat!

Do try it and lemme know how you liked it.

I love how joining Pinterest has broadened my foodie horizons and also my cooking/baking skills. If you're also on Pinterest, let me know and I'll follow your site. And if you have some favourite Pinterest recipes, do send me a link. I'm always on the hunt for great recipes.

 

Coffee Banana Nut Muffins

Coffee Banana Nut Muffins

When I first saw Paula Deen's cooking show, I was flabbergasted at the richness of the dishes she would demonstrate. So, when I trawled through the Food Network website in search of an easy muffin recipe, I was amazed to find that hers was one of the simplest ones.... and hence - ta da! - my first freshly baked-from-scratch muffins!

Mixing the batter was certainly not easy; the process has certainly strengthened my right arm muscles. As it baked, my heart soared at the lovely banana and vanilla aroma wafting throughout the kitchen. And when I peeped in to see perfectly risen and moist muffins, I was moved to dance and whoop...it was the very first baked from scratch product and I was so glad to not have to throw it away at the first attempt.

A muffin and a cup of Jasmine Tea to accompany my book - Perfect!

When attempting this one, use four very ripe bananas and if you like your muffins sweet, use more sugar...coz this one was mildly sweet. Some of the reviews for the recipe suggest using chocolate chips...if I had any I would have bunged them in.

Get the recipe for Michael's Banana Coffee Muffins here. I substituted chopped walnuts for pecans and they worked just fine but I would have used a lesser quantity.

Thanks to this recipe, I feel more sure of trying to make cakes, icings and frostings, cookies and other bakes. I wonder what will be my first cake recipe - Apple? Lemon? Or a strawberry gateaux? :)