Cranberry Pecan Muffins

Two days ago, I posted about a recipe for All Star Muffin Mix that I found in Taste of Home's Simple and Delicious magazine.  One of the add ins I used in the muffin mix was dried cranberries and pecan pieces.  The orginal recipe called for either fresh or frozen cranberries.  Even though I didn't have either of those in the house, I had Craisins so I used those instead. 

After I baked a batch of those, I flash froze them and then put them in freezer bags to be used later.  These are great for quick breakfasts which I'm going to need when school starts in a week and a half.  I just put one of them in the microwave for a minute on 40% power.  They are especially great with a cup of coffee.

Stars of the recipe:

• 2 and 3/4 cups of All Star Muffin Mix


• 1 cup chopped fresh or frozen cranberries


• 1/2 cup chopped pecans


• 3 tablespoons sugar

I omitted the sugar when I used the Craisins.

Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine muffin mix, cranberries, pecans and sugar.


2. Whisk the egg, milk and butter; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. 


3. Fill paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full.


4. Bake at 400° for 18-21 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.


5. Cool for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack.


6. Serve warm.

 For more great recipes, visit Tempt My Tummy Tuesday and Colleen's Recipe Swap.

All Star Muffin Mix

I found a recipe for All Star Muffin Mix in Taste of Home's Simple and Delicious Magazine.  The recipe makes a dry mix that you can either store in your freezer or cupboard for up to six months.  When you make up the mix, you can either make the mix without adding anything to it or you can add different ingredients.  When I tried it without adding anything to it, it was delicious because the cinnamon and nutmeg are two of my favorite spices.  Another time, I tried adding dried cranberries and pecan pieces.  The result was pure deliciousness.

Today I will post the basic mix.  After I try successful add-ins, I will post the recipes so that you can bake a bunch of different types of muffins using one mix.

All Star Muffin Mix

Stars of the recipe:

• 8 cups all-purpose flour


• 3 cups sugar


• 3 tablespoons baking powder


• 2 teaspoons salt


• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon


• 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg

Additional stars:

• 1 cup of milk


• 1 egg


• 1/2 cup of melted butter (1 stick) - When I did it, I melted it in the microwave for a minute.

Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients.


2. Divide the mix into 2 and 3/4 cup portions.

To prepare muffins

1. Place 2-3/4 cups muffin mix in a large bowl.


2. Whisk the egg, milk and butter; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.


3. Fill paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full.


4. Bake at 400° for 18-21 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.


5. Cool for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack.


6. Serve warm.

You can make a batch of the plain muffins and then flash freeze** them.  When you are ready to eat a muffin, place it on a microwavable plate and warm it up at 40% power for a minute.  If it is still not defrosted, continue warming it up at 30 second intervals.

**To flash freeze, put the muffins on a cookie sheet.  Place the cookie sheet in the freezer until the muffins are frozen.  Then place the muffins in a labeled gallon size freezer bag.

Store in airtight containers in a cool dry place or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Yield: 4 batches (11 cups).

Variations:

Cranberry-Pecan Muffins

Pumpkin Spice Muffins

This recipe has been posted on Mommy's Kitchen's Potluck Sunday.

Homemade Hamburger Buns

A few months ago, I found this recipe for homemade hamburger buns.  Since then, I've made them three times.  My fourth attempt is currently in the bread machine.  If I could describe them in one word, it would be delicious.

After I make them, I wrap each one in foil and then place about five in a gallon size ziplock freezer bag.  Then I place them in the freezer.  When I want to use one or two, I pull them out of the freezer, unwrap them, and defrost them in the microwave.  My favorite sandwich that I make with them is a chicken patty, muenster cheese, and a tiny bit of olive oil based mayo.  Yum!

Easy Rolls

A while ago, I was looking for a recipe for biscuits or rolls on Paula Deen's website.  I found this recipe for Easy Rolls.  They looked easy so I decided to try them.  Once I tried them once, I was hooked.  They have a slightly sweet taste and are so tender.

The Imaginative one tasted one and his response was "M-M-M."  After you try them, I'm sure you will say the same thing.

Stars of this recipe:

• 2 cups of Self Rising Flour


• 1 cup of milk


• 2 Tbsp. of sugar


• 4 heaping Tbsp. of mayonnaise

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.


2. Mix together flour and milk.


3. Add sugar and mayonnaise.


4. Bake in slightly greased (I use a cooking spray.) muffin tins for 12 to 15 minutes or until brown.

This recipe makes 12 rolls.

This recipe is linked up to Mommy's Kitchen for Potluck Sunday.