Buttermilk: The secret ingredient for perfect muffins
Muffins belong to a straightforward category of baked goods. Even the youngest children can manage to bake them, of course, with the help of their parents. Together, you can also enjoy their delightful taste. These muffins are perfect for a family breakfast.
Muffins originated in Victorian England. The royal family might seem to enjoy them, but the truth is quite different. The first baked goods of this type consisted of leftover bread and mashed potatoes. They were very filling and satisfied hunger. Over time, their role changed, and today we treat them as a dessert or a small snack.
How to make muffin batter?
Muffin batter usually consists of flour, eggs, sugar, baking powder, and butter or oil. Mix the dry ingredients with the wet ones, and the batter is ready. Additions also play an essential role. Add fruits, nuts, vegetables, or cheese to the muffins. While the sweet versions are still the most popular, savoury muffins also have enthusiasts.
The secret to moist muffins
It's often said that muffins are best right after baking. There is some truth to this, as their batter dries out quite quickly. However, you can prepare them a bit differently to make them more moist, ensuring they stay fresh for longer. This method, known from other baked goods, is about adding buttermilk.
What are the properties of buttermilk?
Buttermilk is a useful ingredient in baking. Its subtle acidity makes the muffins more fluffy and moist. Thanks to it, the batter also rises evenly and splendidly because the lactic acid in buttermilk activates the baking soda.
Buttermilk also enhances the taste, which becomes more intense and slightly milky. This type of dairy also influences how long the batter stays fresh, making it ideal for muffins.
Buttermilk muffins
Ingredients:
- 9 oz plain flour,
- 4 oz sugar,
- 2 eggs,
- 9 oz buttermilk,
- 3 oz oil, e.g., rapeseed,
- 3.5 oz dark chocolate, grated, or your favourite fruits,
- 1 level teaspoon of baking soda,
- 1 level teaspoon of baking powder.
Method of preparation:
- Start by whisking the eggs with sugar into a fluffy mixture.
- Then add buttermilk and oil. Mix again.
- Combine the flour with baking soda and powder, and add to the other ingredients.
- Add your favourite additions to the prepared mixture and mix.
- Spoon portions of the batter into muffin moulds or cases.
- Bake the muffins in an oven preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes.
- You can decorate them with icing sugar before serving.
