"By the way, what is the muffin method?", you ask....

The Muffin Method is simply the easiest way of creating great muffins from scratch. Also the most popular method, this way of preparing muffins can be used to turn just about any quick bread into spectacular muffins!

This is a simple 3-step formula for mixing most muffins and corn breads, many quick loaves, and some coffeecakes. It involves separating "wet" ingredients, from "dry" ingredients, and utilizing the proper mixing technique.

First, mix the dry ingredients (flour, salt, leavening, sugar, etc.) thoroughly  with a whisk to distribute the leavening and salt, and to aerate or fluff up the flour so that it will mix easily with the wet ingredients in the last step. If the baking powder or baking soda is caked or lumpy in the container, strain or pinch out the lumps before adding it...

"There is nothing worse than tasting a bitter lump of soda or baking powder in an otherwise delicious muffin!"

Second, whisk the wet ingredients together thoroughly. These ingredients may include eggs; melted butter or oil; honey, molasses, or brown sugar; and the main liquid - milk, yogurt, sour cream, buttermilk, or fruit juice. Although brown sugar is technically a dry ingredient, it is often included with the wet ingredients because it blends more easily.

Third, combine the two mixtures (wet and dry) by mixing or folding briefly - just enough to moisten the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula with a light hand and use as few strokes as possible.

Do not worry if the texture of batter is uneven or appears lumpy. Do not over mix or beat the batter until smooth. Over mixed batter produce tough, rubbery muffins and breads with uneven shapes.

Finally, for muffins with variations, such as the addition of nuts or fruits, just remember to add them either tossed with the dry ingredients, or folded gently into the batter near the end of the mixing.

Plainly and simply, the moral of the muffin story is:

Now that you know how simple it is to make them, try these great Muffin Recipes at your next child tea party!