10 Tips to Making the Best Muffins Ever!

Start with ingredients at room temperature – eggs, milk, etc.

Take care not to over mix the batter; use a flexible spatula to gently fold ingredients together.

Batter should be stiff enough to hold a spoon upright; if it seems runny, gently fold in a few extra tablespoons of flour.

Use the freshest spices as possible when they are required.

Grease the entire muffin tin, not just the holes. More often than not, the muffins expand over the sides, and if those sides have not been properly greased, you’re going to run into trouble when you try to remove the muffins.

Fill muffin tins three-quarters full; the tops are the best part, so don’t be shy with the batter.

Slide a baking sheet under the muffin tin to help prevent the bottoms from getting too dark in the oven. This also helps with cleanup in case there is overflow.
Take care not to over-bake the muffins.

Allow muffins to cool in the pan at least 10 minutes before removing them, especially if they contain soft fresh fruit.

Enjoy them fresh. If you must, freeze them, although I prefer to freeze the batter (without add-ins), then thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake the muffins fresh in the morning.

I am just going to try out a new recipe with fresh raspberries since they are in season so I will post the recipe and picture later!

Lori Tinella
Happy Baking!!

Little Chefs

Yummy Carrots in a Muffin!!

This past weekend I made a carrot cake for my sister's shower because she really likes it. Well it turned out yummy and everyone enjoyed it!
Today I am home with a sick child so I made carrot muffins and they are yummy too!

Here is my recipe....

I used Agave nectar which comes from the agave plant. It is a sweet liquid with a consistency a bit smoother than honey. Agave is also low on the glycemic index and is metabolized by your body slower than sugar so it has a less severe effect on blood sugar fluctuations. You can find it at any health food store and I bet you’ll find many ways for it to replace sugar in your kitchen. If you want more of a treat you can put icing on them!



Carrot Cupcakes

1 Cup Flour
3/4 Tsp Baking Powder
3/4 Tsp Baking Soda
1/2 Tsp Salt
1/2 Tsp Cinnamon
3/4 Cup Agave
1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil
2 Large Eggs
1 1/2 Cup Carrots, peeled and shredded
1/4 Cup Pineapple, drained, crushed in juice

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon into a medium sized bowl.
3. Using a mixer, beat the agave, oil and eggs until thoroughly combined.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl.
5. Add the carrots and pineapple and beat until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
6. Line 12 1/3 cup muffin cups with paper liners.
7. Scoop batter into cups, filling 3/4 full.
8. Bake for 30 minutes.
9. Cool (cupcakes can be made 1 day ahead, cover and store at room temperature).
10 Spread top of each cupcake with 2 tablespoons of cream cheese icing and serve.

Cream Cheese Icing (Make 2 Cups)

1 8 oz Package Cream Cheese, room temperature
1/2 Cup Butter, room temperature
4 Tbsp Agave Nectar
1 Tsp Vanilla
1. Place all the ingredients in a mixer and beat on medium to high speed until fluffy.
2. Spread on cupcakes.
Enjoy!

Lori
Happy Cooking!

519-940-1131

Warm weather means lots of dirt!!!

How about Dirt in a pot?? No not the kind that is starting to appear around our houses and walkways. The yummy, brown kind in a pot that you eat. This past weekend I held a fabulous "Dirt in a Pot" Little Chefs party for a small group of girls. They measured and mixed up some dirt(flour and cocoa), added some fertilizer(zuchinni), and sprinkled in a few extras to make their very own mini cakes in pots. The recipe is great for kids of all ages and is very easy. Once baked and cooled the girls added some final touches of decorating and boxed them up for a great take home gift. Thank you Emily for letting us share in your birthday celebration.

Happy Cooking!

Lori
Little Chefs
www.thelittlechefs.ca

Stay tuned for some exciting news!!!

Healthier Treat

I know in my last post I talked about alternatives to the usual sweet treats for this upcoming Halloween but I thought I would give a nice eas recipe.
A healthier version of a brownie/cake recipe that can be adapted also to cupcakes for a party if you wish.

Buried Treasure Brownies

2 cups whole wheat flour
½ cup cocoa powder
1 1/2tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
½ cup canola oil
½ cup unsweetened apple sauce
¾ cup agave syrup
2 tsp pure vanilla
2 cups shredded zucchini
¼ cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 18 muffin tins with papers or can use a cake pan if desired.

In medium bowl combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. In a large bowl mix agave syrup, oil, applesauce, and vanilla until well blended. Add flour mix to wet ingredients and stir until combined ( do not over mix) Fold in zucchini and chocolate chips.

Divide the batter between the liners in the muffin cups or in your greased cake pan
Bake until toothpick comes out clean for 17-22 minutes.

Icing
2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate/ chips work well
1 ½ cups of sour cream
1 tsp real vanilla

Melt chocolate over a pan of hot water, or in a bowl in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Transfer to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add the sour cream and the vanilla and beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Let cool slightly until the frosting begins to thicken. Makes about 3 cups

Yours in good health,
Lori Tinella, Founder
Little Chefs

Have a Party that COOKS!
info@thelittlechefs.ca
519.940.1131

Cooking Classes for Kids

Yahoo afterschool cooking classes are on there way!!
I have recently partnered with Orangeville Parks and Rec for some great daytime classes.
There will be class sessions afterschool on Wednesdays and daytime Parent-tot classes on Friday mornings!
Look for more information in the local Orangeville paper.....
Also forgot some great march break program additions with parks and rec programs already set-up. We will be offering a Cupcake Bake on two days of the march break program week. Making cupcakes from scratch with real icings too! Yummy!
Contact Tracey at Alder Rec Centre for more information. 519-940-9092 X 4106

Yours in good health,

Lori
Have a Party that Cooks!!!

Stay tuned upcoming Easter Event in the end of March.....lots of fun for the kids!!

Little Chefs
519-940-1131
littlechefs@sympatico.ca