Pasta Muffins

October 27, 2014February 23, 2015 Muffin MamaLeave a comment

These muffins were a pure experiment when I found myself with a limited time frame and a hungry husband and child. I snatched the leftover pasta and other ingredients, threw them together, plopped the mixture into muffin tins, and eight minutes later, I had two busy, delighted, and satiated boys.

What a tasty way to recycle, and reformat, leftover pasta! This recipe is so easy and effortless to concoct. Once cooled, place these muffins in plastic bags and freeze and keep them stashed for later when they can be warmed up in a microwave in seconds flat.

Pasta Muffins (makes 12)

4 cups cooked pasta, tossed in cream, butter, or marinara sauce (if spaghetti, cut into about 2 inch strands)
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup cheese, shredded
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs (I like Italian seasoning)
1/4 – 1/2 cup cooked meat, finely diced (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease muffin cups with cooking spray or line with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, mix eggs, cheese, bread crumbs, and meat (optional).
3. Add mixture to pasta and toss.
4. Scoop pasta into muffin cups.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes.
6. Allow to cool.
7. Remove from tins, serve, and enjoy!

Hash Brown Muffins

October 13, 2014February 23, 2015 Muffin Mama1 Comment

I was inspired to “think potato” by my sister-in-law, the cook extraordinaire of my family. Her fascinating article on WW1 propaganda highlighted the use of potatoes as a means to conserve other foods that would be shipped to our troops during wartime.

Maite’s recipe for potato balls reminded me that potatoes are delicious when fried. On her site, Artbites, she gives superb advice on cooking from scratch.

Crispy on the outside, moist and tender on the inside, hash browns taste so good! Especially in muffin form.

Use mini muffin pans for bite-size morsels and Voila – “Tater Tot Muffins.” Kids will love eating this mini version at mealtimes or for snacks, which are much healthier and tastier than frozen tater tots.

Eat warm or cold. Freeze individually or in batches, and you will have breakfast for the whole week.

Hash Brown Muffins (makes 12)

3 ½ cups shredded Russet potatoes, rinsed and squeezed dry in a towel; or 1 (16 oz) package of pre-shredded potatoes
1/4 cup onion, chopped (optional)
1/4 tsp garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 heaping cup shredded cheddar cheese
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease muffin cups with cooking spray or line with paper muffin liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine potatoes, onion, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
3. Add the eggs, stir, and then add cheese and stir again.
4. Fill each muffin cup ¾ full.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and tops and edges begin to get crispy. (For mini tater tot muffins, use a mini muffin pan and bake for 55 minutes).

Peanut Butter & Jelly Muffins

October 10, 2014February 23, 2015 Muffin MamaLeave a comment

A peanut buttery muffin with creamy, jelly-filled center trumps the PB & J sandwich any day. Its peanut butter isn’t sticky and its jelly doesn’t ooze all over the place. Plus, what child wouldn’t be pleasantly surprised to see frosting-like jelly inside.

The “frosting” actually contains some protein (cream cheese), which complements the amino acids in the peanut butter…shhh, don’t tell!

These muffins are quick and easy to prepare, requiring two mixing bowls and a whisk. They are fluffy, moist, soft and light. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snacks.

*Possible Substitutions:

For the milk, substitute unsweetened vanilla almond milk or soy, cow, rice, goat, or coconut milk.
For the jelly, use strawberry jelly, jam, or preserves (or raspberry, apricot, raspberry, grape or cherry).
For the peanut butter, use soy nut butter.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Muffins (makes 18)

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 egg
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup milk
1/2 heaping cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup canola oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup jelly, jam or preserves
½ cup whipped cream cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease muffin pan with cooking spray or line with paper liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk egg, buttermilk, milk, peanut butter, oil and vanilla extract.
4. Pour wet ingredients over the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
5. Spoon batter into greased muffin pan, filling each muffin cup about 1/4 full.
6. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk cream cheese and jelly.
7. Spoon 1 tsp jelly filling onto each muffin cup. Top with batter to ¾ full.
8. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, or until tops are golden.

Pizza Muffins

October 8, 2014February 22, 2015 Muffin MamaLeave a comment

What child doesn’t like pizza? Mine! I’m continually perplexed that the even the smell of pizza doesn’t excite my kids. However, I’ve discovered that pizza in muffin-form is a gazillion times more interesting and fun.

This muffin doesn’t ooze or drip. The melted cheese on top looks like frosting on a cupcake. Try adding chopped mushrooms, onion, peppers, or sardines to the batter. Eat these muffins hot or cold. Serve for lunch or snack with a side of spaghetti or pizza sauce for dipping.

Pizza Muffins (makes 18)

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp dried basil leaves
1/2 tsp dried oregano
2 Tbsp white sugar
1 cup tomatoes, seeded and diced
2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (or mozarella or both), shredded and divided
1 egg, beaten
1 1/2 cups buttermilk

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease muffin cups with olive oil or cooking spray or line with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, basil, oregano, and sugar. Stir well until blended.
3. Mix in tomatoes and 1 1/2 cups of cheese.
4. In another bowl, beat egg, whisk in buttermilk, and stir until combined.
5. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups until half full.
6. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheese on top of muffins.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of muffins comes out clean.

Low-Sugar Banana Muffins

October 2, 2014February 6, 2015 Muffin Mama1 Comment

For Michael’s first birthday, I served these low-sugar banana muffins to compensate for the chocolate icing I lathered on top (his first-ever taste of chocolate). Michael ignored the chocolate icing and couldn’t get enough of the banana muffins!

For Joey’s first birthday, again, I served these muffins – some with icing and some without. The picture below demonstrates Joey’s choice.

This recipe is a great way to use rotten bananas. These muffins have plenty of potassium and not a lot of sugar. Plus, as you can see, for the toddler, they are much easier to eat than peeling and eating an actual banana!

Note: Omit raisins and walnuts for young children.

Low-Sugar Banana Muffins (makes 12)

2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
4 medium bananas, cut into chunks
1 egg (or 2 egg whites)
1/3 cup applesauce (unsweetened)
1/3 cup vegetable or canola oil
1/2 cup orange juice (or unsweetened orange juice)
1/2 cup raisins, soaked in water (optional)
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease muffin pan with cooking spray or line with paper liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon. Stir to blend.
3. In another mixing bowl, mash bananas with a fork until they are all mushed. Add egg, applesauce, oil, and orange juice to the mushed banana.
4. Combine all ingredients in one bowl.
5. Fold in raisins and/or walnuts.
6. Spoon batter into greased muffin pan, filling each muffin cup about 2/3 full.
7. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a knife inserted comes out clean.

Chicken Pot Pie Muffins

September 27, 2014February 23, 2015 Muffin Mama3 Comments

Chicken Pot Pie is an especially comforting comfort food in the form of a muffin. Even to those who did not grow up with the pot pie as a staple, these muffins are reminiscent of the moist buttery biscuit that generations of Americans have loved.

This recipe is full of nutrients in the form of chicken, cheese and vegetables. The possibilities of vegetables are endless. Go heavy on the peas if your kids love peas. At first, my kids questioned the blatant vegetables on top, but the buttery flavor of the muffins won them over and I’m not sure they even realized the muffin was made of…chicken.

As these muffins come right out of the oven, rub a small pat of butter over the tops. Serve these muffins warm from the oven with a pat of butter. Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freeze.

Enjoy!

Chicken Pot Pie Muffins (makes 12)

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, melted and cooled
1 large egg
2/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
1 cup rotisserie chicken, shredded
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, thawed

1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Grease muffin pan with cooking spray or line with paper liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and butter.
4. Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in cheese, chicken, and vegetables (reserve about a tablespoon of vegetables for sprinkling on muffin tops). Do not over-mix batter or muffins will become hard.
6. Distribute chicken mixture into the muffin-pan cups.
7. Sprinkle about a tablespoon of vegetables on tops of batter.
8. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Apples & Honey Muffins

September 23, 2014February 23, 2015 Muffin MamaLeave a comment

Inspired by a Rosh Hashana playdate, these muffins are quite the comfort food and perfect for welcoming the Jewish new year. Made with crunchy rolled oats and honey, they are heavenly for the holy days. The combination of orange juice, applesauce, and cinnamon intensifies the flavor and makes these treats a perfect Rosh Hashana house gift.

This simple, delicious recipe is perfect for Rosh Hashana or just because. Start your own tradition by serving your next batch alongside sliced apples and honey. These muffins will definitely become a family favorite.

Apples & Honey Muffins (makes 12)

1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup rolled oats (or oatmeal)
l Tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 cup applesauce
1/3 cup orange juice
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 egg

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease muffin pan with cooking spray or line with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, rolled oats, baking powder and cinnamon. Make a well in the center.
3. In a small bowl, mix together applesauce, orange juice, honey, oil and egg.
4. Pour liquid ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just to moisten.
5. Spoon batter into greased muffin pan, filling each muffin cup about 2/3 full.
6. Bake for 22 minutes.

Invisible Apple Muffins

September 14, 2014February 23, 2015 Muffin MamaLeave a comment

Some kids don’t like “chunks.” These muffins are silky smooth and moist and still contain apples, just not in chunk form.

The sandy texture of the cinnamon/sugar on top may not go over well with toddlers. If that’s the case in your home, omit this delicious touch, and they’ll devour the invisible apples.

You can cut a dip in the “core” of the muffin and fill with jam. Serve with sliced apples or fruit on the side for even more servings of fruit.

Invisible Apple Muffins (makes 18)

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup canola oil
1 cup milk
2 eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup applesauce

Topping

1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp sugar

1. Preheat oven to 375. Grease muffin pan with cooking spray or line with paper liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift flour and sugar and mix well.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla.
4. Pour liquid mixture into dry ingredients, add applesauce, and stir well to combine.
5. Spoon batter into greased muffin pan, filling each muffin cup about 2/3 full.
6. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar topping (optional – see above).
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until a knife inserted into the muffin comes out clean.

Honey Muffins

September 13, 2014February 23, 2015 Muffin MamaLeave a comment

The honey flavor is outstanding in this recipe. These muffins are tender and delicious. They are light, fluffy, super easy to make, and lovely when warm, right out of the oven. Serve them warm with a little honey and butter drizzled over them or use a knife to insert a small pat of butter while they’re still hot.

This simple, delicious recipe is perfect for Rosh Hashana or just because. Start your own tradition by serving muffins instead of honey cake. These will definitely become a family favorite.

Honey Muffins (makes 12)

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
1 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup honey

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a small bowl, combine egg, milk, butter, and honey.
4. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients just until moistened.
5. Fill prepared muffin cups three-fourths full.
6. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Remove from pan to a wire rack.

Chocolate Avocado Muffins

September 9, 2014February 23, 2015 Muffin Mama1 Comment

Trust me, you are going to want to eat these muffins morning, noon, and night, whether you like avocado or not. If the rich, deep chocolate flavor is not reason alone, the healthful properties of these muffins add more fuel to a daily diet of avocado in a chocolate muffin. These muffins are unbelievably rich; your kids will detect no hint of green.

Fun Facts about Chocolate and Avocado

-Both chocolate and avocado are full of antioxidants. In fact, avocados are among the most antioxidant-rich foods.

-Fat is an important part of a healthy diet, especially for children. The healthy fat of the avocado helps lower cholesterol.

-Avocados are an excellent source of fiber and folic acid. They contain several kinds of carotenoids, including lutein, which is essential for eye health.

-Aside from being irresistibly delicious, chocolate contains serotonin, which stimulates endorphin production, which gives a feeling of pleasure.

Sink your teeth into these muffins!

Chocolate Avocado Muffins (makes 18)

1 avocado, ripe
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
3/4 cup canola oil or unsalted butter, melted and at room temperature
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup milk
2 2/3 flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups frozen raspberries (optional)
1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease muffin pans with cooking spray or line with paper liners.
2. In a mixing bowl, mix avocado and sugar together until smooth. Add eggs, butter, vanilla, and milk.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add wet ingredients to flour mixture, mixing just until moistened.
5. Fold in optional ingredients (raspberries or chocolate chips or both).
6. Spoon batter into greased muffin pan, filling each muffin cup about 2/3 full.
7. Bake for 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Muffin Mama

Recipes for little hands (and grown-ups, too)

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