Strawberry Muffins

So, I used to post once a month on a blog called Today’s Housewife. Last fall, the group decided together to stop posting due the busyness of life and families and such. Though sad, I enjoyed being part of the group. As of early January, the blog was officially taken down. But I don’t want to lose my recipes, so periodically I will be reposting them on here. Enjoy!

this post is originally from August 9, 2012

Ever since I can remember, strawberries have been my absolute favorite berry. Not that I don’t love blueberries or blackberries or raspberries, but strawberries have a special place in my heart [and in my mouth!]. Oddly enough, I’m not a fan of strawberry flavored things like fruit and grain bars, yogurt, etc. Because of this deep love of strawberries, usually when I buy them I eat about half the package standing in front of the sink, washing “just one more.” If I want to bake with them, I need to buy them in bulk or specifically plan out a recipe, getting myself to a place of accountability by telling Ben of my plans. It’s pretty hilarious, if you think about it!

Surprisingly enough, this recipe came as a result of an emergency–I had purchased several pounds of berries and for some reason, just didn’t eat them with my usual fury. So instead of letting them go to waste, I whipped up these juicy muffins one warm afternoon. They are extra pillowy and tangy thanks to the buttermilk. Each bite has the sweet scent and flavor of strawberries since the berries are crushed and not left whole. If your berries aren’t very sweet, you can add a little extra sugar but I thought they were just sweet enough as is. These muffins were a hit, but be sure to eat them quickly or freeze them after a few days–the mashed berry makes them soft in the center so they are best fresh. Enjoy!

Strawberry Muffins [from Whole Living]
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Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups sliced strawberries
scant 1/2 cup + 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar, divided
1 3/4 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons canola oil
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a muffin tin with paper liners.

In a small bowl, combine strawberries and scant 1/2 cup sugar. Mash berries gently with pastry blender or potato masher, then set aside.

Next, stir together flours, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla.

Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, then pour in buttermilk mixture and fold slowly to combine. Add berries [including any juice] to batter, then stir until just mixed.

Fill muffin cups 2/3 of the way full, then sprinkle with remaining sugar.

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan a few minutes before removing to wire rack. Store in an airtight container on the counter for up to three days, then freeze any leftovers.

Time: 30 minutes.

Yield: 18-20 muffins.