Foodie Friday! Blissful Blueberry Muffins

With the weather cooling down, this monkey plans to have an indulgent Sunday brunch on the patio with a few family and friends. This is a favorite muffin recipe that is best when using fresh blueberries. The lemon gives them a brightness and the cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth.

They make a great care package for students off at college or friends who are far away. But I promise you won't see any objections from coworkers, friends or family if you drop a few of these on their desks/doorsteps either.

I enjoy these muffins most when I need to slow down and unwind. They make a great traditional addition to brunches or breakfasts. But I also enjoy grabbing a mug of tea, a good book, one of these muffins and curling up in a comfy chair to make for a great afternoon/evening relaxer.

Blissful Blueberry Muffins
Ingredients
Muffin:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 tsp Red Monkey organic ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp lemon zest
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
1 cup fresh blueberries

Topping:
1/2 cup sugar (White will do, but we like brown sugar)
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter, cubed, room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons Red Monkey organic ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease muffin cups or line with muffin liners. Makes 8 regular sized muffins, or 5-6 jumbo muffins.

Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, salt, baking powder, lemon zest and nutmeg in a bowl. Place vegetable oil into a 1 cup measuring cup; add the egg and enough milk to fill the cup.

Mix into flour mixture, taking care to not over mix. Fold in blueberries. Fill muffin cups right to the top, and sprinkle with crumb topping mixture (see below for topping directions).

To Make Crumb Topping:
Mix together 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, 1/4 cup butter, and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. Mix with fork, and sprinkle over muffins before baking.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until done.



Try a batch this weekend and enjoy a simple, comforting pleasure. Once you get comfortable with this recipe, see what other fruits and berries you can add/substitute. We like strawberry, blueberry/raspberry, blueberry/strawberry, and the occasional peach muffin. Try some of your favorites!

Enjoy.