valentines :: five

flickr photo from sigusr0

A few days ago I made some strawberry muffins as comfort food for friends. My market had some amazing berries this week. So delicious, I want to make them again. Strawberries are heart-shaped, just the right color for the valentine season and a healthier alternative to cookies and cupcakes. (But still love those!) These would be perfect for Valentine's Day breakfast on Monday as the family runs out the door to work.

The trick to good muffins is stirring the batter just barely enough to get everything blended. Easy does it.

Strawberry Muffins (adjusted from a recipe found here) 

• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup white sugar 
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped strawberries

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Prepare an 8 cup muffin tin, or use paper liners.
2. In a small bowl, combine oil, milk, egg and vanilla. Beat lightly. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon and sugar. Toss in chopped strawberries and stir to coat with flour. Pour in milk mixture and stir together only to moisten. Don't over-mix.
3. Fill muffin cups. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 25 minutes, or until the tops bounce back from the touch. Cool 10 minutes and remove from pans.

 

Comments

[Diane]

Yummy! I ALSO LOVE THE ART WORK BELOW.

[Laura]

Hi Charlotte!
What a coincidence I made strawberry muffins yesterday for my painting class...they are very valentiney and delicious...my recipe was similar to yours but with a little less sugar. A concession to those 2011 dieters! I came close to making a Barefoot Contessa version!
Today I am going to make strawberry bread for us at home...yum!
Have a great weekend!
Laura

[Troy Louise]

I love making muffins & this recipe looks like a good one. Thanks & I too love your beautiful painting - so fresh & fun. Hugs.

[The Illustrator's Wife]

Mmm...yum! I will definitely be making these soon! Thanks for the recipe!

[marlene]

Hi Charlotte.. These sound delicious...I think might just make to make a batch after Church on Sunday but in a mini version & freeze some... have a honey of a night ~ sweet dreams! ;O)xox

[marlene]

oops made a couple of typos ~ I was typing to fast ~ it s/b "I think I might just have to make..." again have a honey of a night! ;O)

[kate]

sounds delicious...will have to try...for some reason muffins=love to me!

[Lena]

This is a pretty picture to see on a cold and windy February day!

I love strawberries, and these muffins sound very good.

Thanks Charlotte!

[Debbie Jones]

Just made my third batch of these. wonderful. everyone loves them.