Chocolate Cinnamon Muffins

They said it couldn't be done, what do "they" know. Yes it's true cinnamon and chocolate can go together, and quite beautifully I might add. A little cocoa mixed with white chocolate chips, and a hint of cinnamon make the world seem like a better place. You can turn any basic muffin recipe into perfection simply by adding a few key ingredients. I've learned that out during the past two recipes. These muffins leave you feeling quite satisfied. I have received my chocolate fix for the day, have you had yours??? Until next time; Here's to Cake Wishes and Chocolate Dreams.


Ingredients:
-oil or melted butter, for greasing (if using)
-heaping 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
-1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
-1 tbsp baking powder
-1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
-1/8 tsp salt
-heaping 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
-1 cup white chocolate chips (or another flavor)
-2 large eggs
-1 cup milk
-6 tbsp sunflower oil or melted, cooled butter

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a 12-cup muffin pan or line with 12 muffin paper liners. Sift together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt into a large bowl. Stir in the sugar, and chocolate chips.
2. Lightly beat the eggs in a larger bowl, the beat in the milk and oil. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the beaten liquid ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.
3. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until well risen and firm tot he touch.
4. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, the serve warm or transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.

*Courtesy of 1 Mix, 100 Muffins
by Susanna Tee

Peanut Butter Chunk Muffins

That's right, you heard me correctly. I did say peanut butter chunk muffins, and they are to die for.
There's just the right amount of peanut butter in every bite. These muffins were not only the easiest pastry that I have made to date, but they are also yummy, and very astecially pleasing. I hope that are as easy for you to make as they were for me. Enjoy! Until next time; Here's to Cake Wishes and Chocolate Dreams.

Ingredients:
-oil or melted butter, for greasing (if using)
-2 cups all-purpose flour
-1 tbsp baking powder
-1/8 tsp salt
-heaping 1/2 cup superfine sugar
-1 cup of peanut butter chocolate chips (or any other kind)
-2 large eggs
-1 cup milk
-6 tbsp sunflower oil or melted, cooled butter
-1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a 12 cup muffin pan or line with 12 muffin paper liners. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl. Stir in the sugar and chocolate chunks.

2. Lightly beat the eggs in a large pitcher or bowl, then beat in the milk, oil, and vanilla extract.

3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the beaten liquid ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; do not over mix.

4. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until well risen, golden brown, and firm to the touch.

5. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then serve warm or transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.

*Courtesy of 1 Mix, 100 Muffins
-Susanna Tee

Post Holiday!!!

Happy New Year!!!!! May 2011 bring you success, happiness, and everything your heart desires. Now that the holidays have come to an end, and all my holiday baking is over, I can concentrate on new recipes. 2011 for me is going to be great in the baking aspect. I plan on trying new recipes, and venturing into the muffin and cupcake world. I have always been fascinated with both, and this year I will give it a go! Muffins and cupcakes have definitely come a long way with hundreds of different concoctions to perfect the simplest of recipes. I look forward to this challenge, and hope great things come of it. Until next time; Here's to Cake Wishes and Chocolate Dreams!