"By the way, what is the muffin method?", you ask....
The Muffin Method is simply the easiest way of creating
great muffins from scratch. Also the most popular method, this way of
preparing muffins can be used to turn just about any quick bread into
spectacular muffins!
This is a simple 3-step formula for mixing most muffins
and corn breads, many quick loaves, and some coffeecakes. It involves
separating "wet" ingredients, from "dry" ingredients, and utilizing the
proper mixing technique.
First, mix the dry ingredients (flour, salt, leavening, sugar, etc.)
thoroughly with a whisk to distribute the leavening and salt, and
to aerate or fluff up the flour so that it will mix easily with the wet
ingredients in the last step. If the baking powder or baking soda is
caked or lumpy in the container, strain or pinch out the lumps before
adding it...
"There is nothing worse than tasting a bitter lump of soda or baking
powder in an otherwise delicious muffin!"
Second, whisk the wet ingredients together thoroughly. These
ingredients may include eggs; melted butter or oil; honey, molasses, or
brown sugar; and the main liquid - milk, yogurt, sour cream,
buttermilk, or fruit juice. Although brown sugar is technically a dry
ingredient, it is often included with the wet ingredients because it
blends more easily.
Third, combine the two mixtures (wet and dry) by mixing or folding
briefly - just enough to moisten the dry ingredients. Use a wooden
spoon or rubber spatula with a light hand and use as few strokes as
possible.
Do not worry if the texture of batter is uneven or appears lumpy. Do
not over mix or beat the batter until smooth. Over mixed batter produce
tough, rubbery muffins and breads with uneven shapes.
Finally, for muffins with variations, such as the addition of nuts
or fruits, just remember to add them either tossed with the dry
ingredients, or folded gently into the batter near the end of the
mixing.
Plainly and simply, the moral of the muffin story is:
"Separate wet ingredients from the dry ingredients. Mix each type
thoroughly, but separately. However, once wet and dry ingredients come together in the
final batter, mix only sparingly."
Now that you know how simple it is to make them, try these great
Muffin Recipes at your next child tea party!
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