The best summer of my life was the winter I spent working as a raft guide in Queenstown, New Zealand. In this mecca for high-adrenaline sports, I actually learned to relax. No day was started without stopping for a “cup-pa” at a friend’s house or at one of the local coffee shops. It was un-thinkable not to hang out and chat while enjoying Earl Grey laced with lots of milk and sugar or a thick creamy latte and a pastry. I don’t recall them even having “to-go” cups. These satisfying muffins, baked with different fillings everyday, were a great alternative to sweets and the top-seller at my favorite hangout.
Makes 2 dozen regular or 10 jumbo muffins
1 1/2 cups canola oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
2 cups buttermilk
6 cups all-purpose flour
6 teaspoons baking powder
2 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoon finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup grated cheese- any kind
3-4 cups of chopped fillings and 1/2 cup of toppings- whatever you feel like. Here are some suggestions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease two regular muffin tins or two jumbo tins.
2. With an electric mixer beat together in a large bowl the oil, eggs, garlic and buttermilk. If using spinach or fresh herbs, mix them in at this time.
3. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and pepper, and cheeses. Stir in the filling ingredients.
4. With a large spoon combine the wet and dry ingredients and stir only enough to mix. This is a delicate process, almost like folding. Batter should be moist but not runny. Adjust with extra flour or buttermilk.
5. Fill each muffin tin to the top- the muffins are thick enough not to run over the sides. Sprinkle nuts, seeds, cheese or olives on top.
6. Bake 30-40 minutes, depending on size of the muffin. Muffins are done when golden brown, firm to the touch and a tester comes out clean. Serve warm.
Cooks Tip: These muffins are an ideal way to sneak veggies into a picky eater’s food.
Comments (2)
I just got back from NZ and, like you, loved all the savory muffins and scones. Thanks for the recipe. I can’t wait to try it at home!
Amanda Mar 25, 02:28 PM #I just made these muffins! THey are fantastic…so easy…and also you can add whatever fillings and spices. I added ham and cheese…my family loves them…thanks for the great recipe.!!
Charlene Sep 8, 09:04 PM #