Mini Muffins

One thing I've discovered about building websites for others is you have little time for your own site or even your blog. I'm going to try and change this.

After some kidding about my most recent acquisition, a toaster oven, I decided to silence my critics with a demonstration of what the thing can do.

I bought the oven for $20 at a garage sale. It's a bit large for the motor home, but if I do bring it along it increases my food preparation options.

In an effort to learn from Judy how to use the thing, it has now taken up residence in the kitchen. It is proving very popular. We've never owned one before, but my 92 year old mother uses nothing but. Maybe we should be paying more attention to what mother does!

This morning's offering is mini muffins. The kind that are good for you - bran with blueberries. The recipe calls for: 1 cup of all purpose flour (almost typed flower); 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 3/4 teaspoon salt. Put this all in a mixing bowl.

Next: blend in 1 1/2 cups bran; 1/3 cup lightly-packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup raisins (I used blueberries). To blend is to mix together using a big wooden spoon.

Make a well in centre of dry ingredients and then combine and add the following: 1 beaten egg; 1 cup sour milk (I used small amount of lemon juice to sour the milk - you can use vinegar); 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (you can use melted shortening).

Stir only until combined. Batter should be lumpy. Fill greased mini muffin cups about two-thirds full and then bake in preheated toaster oven at 375 degrees for about 14 minutes. Stick a toothpick in to see if they're done. If it comes out clean you're ready to eat. Remove the muffins from cups as soon as possible after they come out of the oven.

Note: I did two batches and found the second ones did better when they sat a little lower in the oven. Middle rack, lower position.

The above will give you about 24 mini muffins. I'm using the mini muffin trays because they fit in the toaster oven. Besides, I like muffins and small muffins are fine with me. Two are plenty.