Mary's Breakfast Muffins Recipe

Recipe: Mary's Breakfast Muffins

Introduction:
Mary's Breakfast Muffins are a delightful and classic breakfast treat that have been enjoyed by families for generations. This recipe dates back to an era when homemade breakfasts were the norm, and the aromas of freshly baked goods filled the kitchen each morning. With a light and flakey texture, these muffins are perfect for starting your day on a delicious note. Join us as we explore the history of this recipe, share some fun facts, and teach you how to recreate these delightful muffins in your own kitchen.

History of Mary's Breakfast Muffins:
Mary's Breakfast Muffins have been a cherished recipe in our family for over a century. This recipe was passed down from Mary herself, a beloved grandmother who was known for her culinary skills and warm hospitality. Mary believed in starting each day with a homemade treat that would bring joy to her family's breakfast table. Through the years, this recipe has been shared among friends and loved ones, creating a legacy of delicious mornings filled with love and scrumptious muffins.

Fun Facts About Mary's Breakfast Muffins:
1. The original recipe called for both butter and lard. This combination of fats gives these muffins their unique flavor and flakiness.
2. Fleischman's yeast, a popular brand of yeast, was commonly used in early 20th-century recipes. It helps leaven the dough and create a light texture.
3. The muffins are made by letting the dough rise overnight. This allows the flavors to develop and creates a soft and airy texture.
4. Mary's Breakfast Muffins were traditionally baked in Gem pans, which are small, individual-size pans. They give the muffins their signature shape and make them perfectly portioned for breakfast.

Ingredients:
- 3 cups sifted flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon lard
- 1/4 cake Fleischman's yeast
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups boiled milk

Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sifted flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Add the butter and lard to the dry ingredients. Mix until the fats are well incorporated into the flour mixture.
3. Dissolve the yeast cake in a small amount of warm water according to the package instructions. Add the yeast mixture to the bowl and mix well.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. Add the lukewarm boiled milk to the eggs and mix together.
5. Pour the egg and milk mixture into the flour mixture. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
6. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place overnight. This will allow the dough to ferment and develop flavor.
7. In the morning, preheat your oven to a hot temperature of 400°F (200°C).
8. Grease your Gem pans generously with butter or cooking spray.
9. Carefully spoon tablespoonfuls of the risen dough into each well-greased Gem pan. Be gentle to maintain the lightness of the dough.
10. Allow the filled pans to stand for a short time, until the dough becomes quite light.
11. Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
12. Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool slightly in the pans before transferring them to a wire rack.
13. Serve the Mary's Breakfast Muffins hot for breakfast. Enjoy them on their own or with your favorite spreads like butter, jam, or honey.

Note: These muffins are best enjoyed when fresh out of the oven. If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, simply warm them in a toaster oven or conventional oven for a few minutes until they are heated through.

Similar Recipes:
- If you enjoy the combination of yeast and eggs in your breakfast baked goods, you may also want to try making traditional English crumpets. These delightful griddle cakes have a similar texture to Mary's Breakfast Muffins and are perfect for slathering with butter or your favorite toppings.
- For a sweeter twist on breakfast muffins, you can explore recipes for blueberry, banana nut, or chocolate chip muffins. These variations add bursts of flavor and sweetness to your morning treat, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
- If you prefer a savory option, consider making cheesy bacon and chive muffins. These savory muffins are packed with delicious ingredients and make a satisfying breakfast or brunch option.

Experiment and have fun with these recipes, creating your own signature breakfast muffins to enjoy with family and friends.