It’s That Time of Year, and I have been in deep, deep denial.
Sure, I’ve heard a few Christmas carols, but we didn’t send any cards. There’s no wreath on the door. The decorations are still nestled in the garage with care.
And, ohmagah, my in-laws soon will be here.
So, I made a batch of Christmas-Morning Muffins to fortify me as I haul out the holly. No mixer required. Just combine the dry ingredients in one bowl, the liquid (including fresh clementine or orange juice) in another, and stir them together into a lovely, lumpy batter. Then, fold in a few handfuls of dried cranberries or a mix of cranberries and chocolate chips. The topping is just a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar over each muffin.
Light, cakey, and they smell like Christmas.
I’m going to enjoy every bite of one of these muffins (maybe two), do a few one-armed push-ups, and get to work transforming the Continental Crump House into a Winter Wonderland. Because it’s time. Because we need a little Christmas.
And because one of our neighbors asked if we were celebrating this year.
Must. Deck. Halls.
Let’s go!
Christmas-Morning Muffins
Adapted from Nigella Lawson’s “How to Be a Domestic Goddess”
Makes 12
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/3 cup sugar
- Freshly grated nutmeg
- Juice of 1 or 2 clementines or small oranges
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 5 ounces (1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons) dried cranberries OR 2 1/2 ounces dried cranberries plus 2 1/2 ounces chocolate chips
Topping:
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and sugar, and add a generous amount of fresh nutmeg. Set aside.
- Take a liquid measuring cup, and measure 1/4 cup milk. Then add freshly squeezed orange juice to the milk until the liquid reaches the 2/3 cup mark. Add melted butter and the egg, and beat to combine.
- Pour the liquid mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients, and stir until the ingredients are just combined but lumpy.
- Fold in the cranberries and chocolate chips, if using.
- Divide the batter among 12 muffin cups.
- In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle over the tops of the muffins. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
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YUM – what a fabulous flavor combo!!
Oh muh darlin', Clementine! Those look great and would be perfect for Christmas morning, you're right.
Even though I think your muffins sound amazing, I am more excited that you haven't decorated yet. I haven't either, and I feel like I am the only one who hasn't. So. thanks for the fantastic muffin recipe… but more importantly, thanks for lifting my spirits and gave me inspiration that maybe tomorrow, I might get stuff done!
Oooooooh this looks so good! This may very well be my Christmas morning breakfast!
Having lost my dad in October, I decided to ignore Christmas this year. Then I read your post. Bob will get our tree in the morning while I bake these muffins. Thank you!
Those look so good!
Watch out for those inlaws.
I KNOW! But now the cable's installed, and the ham's been ordered, so come on up!
Watch out for those inlaws.
Those muffins look delicious–great combo of flavors! I have not done anything for Christmas either but my excuse is that I go to Portland so don't have to decorate here. ;-)
These look so delicious. If I can find some cranberries, I am so making these!
I find cooking is an easy way to get in the spirit. We have our Christmas tree up, but still haven't dragged out the wreath.
Leave them in the garage! You don't need to put them up!
hi rebecca,
i have been reading your wonderful blog for quite some time & now i comment for the first time…i baked these muffin gems yesterday afternoon & i could not wait to bite into one!
they are wonderful & the hint of citrus was great (& would could resist cranberries & chocolate)…so morning muffins turned into afternoon delights!
wishing you & those you hold dear a wonderful holiday season & joyous 2010!
They sound wonderful and the essence of Christmas. I would love to wake up to one of these on Christmas morning
Yum!!!
I have a blog "award" for you over at my site – in case you are into these such things…Love your writing, you always make me smile!
I made these last night so they would be ready for this morning and they are delicious! Thank you!
Look and sound delicious. Would be great for Christmas morning.
I made them a couple of hours ago! Perfect!! Not too sweet-kinda coffee cakie. I left out the chocolate and they were delish! Thanks
Looks scrumptious.
Have a wonderful new year ahead!
Julius
from Occasional Baker
Too late for the Christmas Morning version, but I think it's just on time for New Year's Morning version…and, of course, that would be with all cranberries and no chocolate chips, just in case you were wondering.
Made 'em last year and I will be making them again this year!
Just made them to have for breakfast tomorrow…they smell delicious! Thanks as always for the great recommendations!