It's the day after Thanksgiving, and the last thing you probably want to do is more baking. But if you have company staying for the weekend, these muffins will make breakfast a little special.
This recipe won first place out of more than 4,000 entries of just muffins in a national recipe contest. They are delicious with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk, whether at breakfast or as a snack any time of day.
Go easy on the chocolate chips so that they are not too sweet. The accompanying espresso spread also is delicious on bagels.
Even if you are not able to use it this weekend, this is a good recipe to keep in your collection.
Chocolate Espresso Muffins
Ingredients for espresso spread
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
1 tablespoon sugar
1âÑ2 teaspoon instant coffee granules
1âÑ2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1âÑ4 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
Ingredients for muffins:
2 cups all-purpose flour
3âÑ4 cup sugar
21âÑ2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1âÑ2 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
1âÑ2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 beaten egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Scant 3âÑ4 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
To make the spread, in a food processor or blender combine all spread ingredients. Cover and process until well blended. Cover and refrigerate until serving. (I like it at room temperature when serving.)
For muffins, in a mixing bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. In another bowl, stir milk and coffee granules until coffee is dissolved. Add butter, egg, and vanilla; mix well. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Be careful not to over mix.¬ Fold in chocolate chips. Fill greased or lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 375 degrees for 17 to 20 minutes or until muffins test done. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.
ÔÇæÔÇæÔÇæ
Pat Altomare's "Pat's Kitchen" runs weekly in the Friday Life section of The Eagle-Tribune. She invites your questions and comments. E-mail patskitchen@yahoo.com, or write c/o The Eagle-Tribune, 100 Turnpike St., North Andover, MA 01845.
