Muffins. Recipe

History of Muffins:
Muffins have a long history that can be traced back to the 18th century in Britain. Originally, muffins were made as a yeast-based bread that was cooked on a griddle. They were a popular breakfast item and often enjoyed with butter and jam.

Over time, the recipe for muffins evolved and different variations emerged. In the United States, muffins became more cake-like and were often made with baking powder instead of yeast. Today, there are numerous variations of muffins, ranging from sweet to savory, and they are enjoyed all around the world.

Fun Facts about Muffins:
- The term "muffin top" refers to the overflowing of the batter when baking muffins, creating a rounded top.
- The word "muffin" is believed to have been derived from the Old French word "moufflet," which means soft bread.
- In the United States, the last Thursday in April is celebrated as National Blueberry Muffin Day.
- The largest muffin ever made weighed over 3,000 pounds and was created in Manchester, England in 2011.

Now, let's dive into the recipe for classic muffins!

Classic Muffins Recipe:

Ingredients:
- 1 well-beaten egg
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 scant cup of milk
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- Sufficient flour for batter consistency
- 1 tablespoon of melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the gas oven and light the burners. It is essential to have a quick oven for baking muffins.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the well-beaten egg, butter, sugar, salt, milk, and sifted baking powder. Gradually add flour while stirring until you achieve a batter that will "ribbon" from the spoon. This means that the batter should flow smoothly and not be too thick or too runny.
3. Beat the batter steadily for five minutes. This step helps to incorporate air into the batter, resulting in lighter, fluffier muffins.
4. Once the batter is well-beaten, stir in one tablespoon of melted butter. This will enhance the flavor and texture of the muffins.
5. Grease the muffin pans with butter or line them with muffin liners.
6. Fill each muffin cup about halfway with the batter. Overfilling the cups can cause the muffins to overflow while baking.
7. Place the muffin pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes or until the tops turn golden brown. The exact baking time may vary depending on the oven, so keep a close eye on the muffins.
8. Once the muffins are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pans for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Optional: Brush the tops of the muffins with melted butter for added flavor and shine.
10. Serve the muffins warm or at room temperature. They can be enjoyed plain, with butter, or with your favorite jam or spread.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
There are many variations of muffins that you can explore. Here are a few popular ones:

1. Blueberry Muffins: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter before baking for a burst of fruity flavor.

2. Chocolate Chip Muffins: Mix in chocolate chips into the batter for a delightful twist.

3. Banana Nut Muffins: Mash ripe bananas and fold them into the batter along with chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans.

4. Savory Muffins: Experiment with adding savory ingredients like cheese, herbs, and vegetables, such as spinach and feta or bacon and cheddar.

Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to muffins. Feel free to get creative and customize the recipe according to your taste preferences. Happy baking!