Alfalfa Honey Corn Muffins

"Alfalfa?"

ALFALFA.  I think of hay and horses. And Alfalfa, that Lil' Rascal from "Our Gang". But not honey. While shopping (or grazing) at the Farmer's Market a few weeks ago, I spotted some jars of honey with "x's" on the lids and asked what kind they were. "Alfalfa", she said. I had to ask again, knowing my expression was similar to this 'lil guy's on the right.  ---->

Aside from fresh farmer's honey, these muffins get a slight tangy kick from buttermilk - and a down-home sweetness from brown sugar. While the BAKED boys referenced the almighty Jiffy boxed muffins as their source of inspiration, the addition of cornmeal gives them just the right texture, which boxed Jiffy muffins just don't have.

X  MARKS THE ALFALFA

One half of their recipe makes 48 mini-muffins. That means you can have two, possibly three, and sometimes ever four mini's for one standard. I like that kind of math. And I really liked these muffins. Sweet enough on their own, they were even better with a little drop (or two) of extra honey. To see all the other corny creations, along with the recipe, be sure to visit BAKED SUNDAY MORNINGS.  

And to get yourself some alfalfa honey, I suggest heading to your local Farmer's Market. Look for the bottles with the "x' on them .

  – mike

Remembering 9~11 Coffee Ice Cream

NINE-ELEVEN.  It was just before 6am. I had just dragged myself out of bed and was engaging in my morning ritual of a cappuccino + Katie Couric. As I flipped the TV on, staring in a daze, unable to grasp what I was seeing. I can't remember how long I sat there, I just remember I was late for work.

Marla of Family Fresh Cooking asked fellow bakers to join her in baking a remembrance cake to remember all those who lost their lives on 9-11-. While my post is neither a cake, nor is it baked, its flavor hearkens back to that morning in front of my television set.

Three tablespoons of espresso powder give this ice cream its kick. Along with the standard cream, milk and egg yolks - it makes for a wonderful after-dinner dessert. Skip the mints - and serve this, along with a sprinkling of chopped chocolate-covered espresso beans.

To get this deliciously-caffeinated recipe, visit BAKED SUNDAY MORNINGS and see all the other coffee ice creams.

A heartfelt wish of hope and remembrance for those friends, family or loved ones whose lives changed on that day.

[If you'd like to bake a remembrance cake to honor those who lost their lives on 9-11-01, you can post your link at Marla's site.]

     

   – mike 

Chocolate Almond Batons

T U E S D A Y S   W I T H   D O R I E

Special thanks to this week's host: Jessica of MyBakingHeart

Originally entitled "Chocolate Spice Quickies", Dorie's Cooky of the Week took a foreign twist. While not technically French, they do fall into the quick category. And they look rather like a baton. 

Resembling the texture of her famous World Peace cooky, these refrigerator "slice & bakes" strayed a bit from the clove spice listed in the original recipe. Along with the ground almonds (I used toasted almond slices), I added a splash of almond extract and amaretto liqueur - which now I guess, takes us through Italy.

Instead of the traditional "refrigerator log", I formed them flat (think biscotti - but don't ask why). They are the quintessential slice 'n bake - I sliced and baked a few, then stashed the remaining in the freezer. Slightly crunchy, almondy and tender, these will certainly appear once again in my upcoming Holiday Cooky Parade. Parade / Batons . . .

  ooh la la.

– mike