Muffins, chocolatey yummy muffins

I have been having a diversion in the grocery store for the gluten-free section. I do not have Celiac disease, thankfully. It's a challenging disease that is popping up more and more in the general population, it affects 1 in every 133 persons. And it's the type of disease that will completely change your life, because wheat is in EVERYTHING. You would probably be surprised how often wheat is used in all kinds of products; from ones we consume to cosmetics. Not to mention, a person with celiac disease cannot eat rye, barley, triticale, and some oats. You might be asking: Lish, why are you on the gluten-free kick? Well, we consume a lot of wheat in America. So, I figure it's a great way to try and round out the intake of wheat versus all of the other wonderful grains that are out there. I am into baked goods this pregnancy, and the Udi's brand gluten-free muffins have been hitting the spot. I have tried them all: Lemon Struessel, Blueberry, and Double Chocolate (as well as their bagels & cinnamon rolls, two thumbs up on all Udi's products). The double chocolate is soo yummy. We've been warming the chocolate muffins, putting vanilla ice cream and sliced strawberries on them and eating them for dessert. Yes, that is how yummy they are. The only problem, they are a bit expensive. They're not outrageous, but I know how much money I could be saving if I'd just make them myself. Thus, this is my first (probably of many) attempts at a gluten-free muffin that tastes as good as my new friend Udi's. I used Bob's Red Mill Quinoa flour and Bob's recipe found on the back of the Quinoa flour package for the "Sour Cream Fudge Muffins".

The verdict: I am not in love with the strong taste of the quinoa flour; but blending a couple of different types of grains is probably the best way to go. So, if you do want to try making these muffins, maybe do a 50/50 mixture with another grain.

If you'd like to give the recipe a try, you can find it here.

Don't worry, I have no plans of completely abandoning you Udi, I am happy to support a local business (Udi's Bakery is located in Denver) and will grow increasing lazy about baking as my belly expands over these last 10+ weeks. But for today, I give myself an "A" for effort!

On a more serious note about Celiac disease, it can be extremely debiliating to a person who has it, but doesn't know it. It is very hard on the body and makes them feel miserable each time they eat, which is a lot of a person's life. If you know someone who has been "perpetually sick", you might be doing them a favor to mention getting tested for a gluten allergy. It goes un-diagnosed in about 97% of people.

Comfort Food

We all have foods that are comforting to us. This recipe is one of mine. I just love these muffins. They are so simple to make and bake up in a snap. The ingredient list is so minimal that they're one thing that can always be produced from pantry staples when your refrigerator is humming that obnoxious "I'm empty, feeeeeeed me" noise. There's no further need to introduce them, just please, make them.

Doughnut Muffins

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees

Mix together wet ingredients:
1 egg, beaten into submission (sorry, I've scenes from Julie & Julia floating around)
1/3 c baking oil (canola or grapeseed)
1/2 c milk (i use soymilk and they turn out excellent)

Add in 1/2 cup sugar to wet ingredients, mix well.

Sift together:
1.5 c flour
2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg*

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Add wet ingredients to dry ingredient; incorporate.

Scoop evenly into muffin pan

(or the new silicone baking cups which are super handy & highly recommended; more here)

Sprinkle muffins with cinnamon & sugar mixture.

1.5 tablespoons sugar mixed with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and yes, I use it all!

Bake for about 17 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in middle of muffins comes out clean.

*Of course you can use pre-ground nutmeg, but the flavor of fresh nutmeg is amazing.

Nutmeg will literally keep for a year, so there's really no excuse not to keep some handy.....

Just grate it with your handy, dandy Microplane. If you aren't sure what a Microplane is just go to my archive and pull up "Why I love my Microplane" from November 2009.