Today I had a chance to get out while my assistant, Gail, watched the Front Desk.
I came back and was looking at some new recipes to work with for Summer 2009 and thought some basic tips on Muffins would help everyone out the next time you bake.
Muffins are so easy, if done right. They are versatile in flavor combinations (love the seasonal fruit we can all use at different times of the year), great with a slather of creamy butter, or a "blop" of good quality fruit spread. Among my favorites at the inn are: Pineapple Muffins, Sweet Potato Muffins with Pecan Streusel, and, of course, Maine Blueberry-Lemon Muffins (yum!!!).
Some tips:
1. Do not overmix the wet and dry ingredients (i.e. using a whisk/whipping motion). Use a wooden spoon or a gloved hand. Mix until just moistened, making sure to pass the very bottom twice in the mixing.
2. Preheat your oven to the desired temperature. If your muffin recipe is coming out too light (and you like that appealing golden brown top), crank the oven to 450 degrees for the last 4-5 minutes.
3. Scoop muffins with an ice cream scoop, filling each one the same. That way they will all bake evenly. Wipe overspill around the muffin tin, if any. Sweet, heavenly muffins compounded with a lingering BURNT muffin smell is not welcoming.
4. Make sure ALL of your ingredients are at room temperature (milk, eggs, water, etc.) Take these out while you are mixing the dry ingredients.
5. Let muffins set at least 5 minutes on a wire rack before removing. I use a small cake spreader to lever up the sides gently.
6. Get creative! Top your muffin batter (prior to baking) with coarse sugar crystals, cinnamon-sugar, streusel topping, or flavored sugars.
Hope these tips help. Make a batch for your co-workers, your neighbors, your town/city mail clerk, or fire and rescue heroes. (I like to stretch my hand through the PO Box with a bag of muffins--I enjoy hearing the squeal of delight from the postal mail sorter on the other side!!) "Homebaked" means "from the heart" here at Inn at Long Lake. Use your Foodie powers to change the world in your own small way. Besides, everyone likes to be appreciated. Inspired random acts of kindness to you all!!
Your Maine Innkeeper,
Keith
Western Maine Lakes and Mountains
2 comments:
Good Morning Keith
I had to write and thank you for the DELICIOUS whole wheat fruitcake loaf you sent home with our friends Lorraine and John that stayed at the Inn last week. How thoughtful of you and it was wonderful to hear from you! We are looking forward to visiting the new Inn soon! Thanks again
Susan and John
Billerica, MA
Hi, Susan and John.
You are most welcome! I was dubious that your treat might not make it back on the car ride with Lorraine and John! Glad it did ;-).
See you at the inn sometime soon. You'll love all the changes!
Keith
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