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

Happy Valentine's Day!

In honor of this sweet holiday Valentine's Day I wanted to give you a recipe I found that is great. Chocolate cake in 5 minutes. How great is that??
Make some now for your sweetie!

5 minute Chocolate Cake in a Cup!

Ingredients:

- 4 tbsp flour
- 5 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp cocoa
- 1 tsp baking powder (I used 1/2 tsp and it turned out fine)
- 1/2 tsp coffee powder (optional)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 egg
- 3 tbsp milk
- 3 tbsp oil
- 3 tbsp chocolate chips or flakes plus 2 tablespoon extra (I omitted these)
- A small splash of vanilla extract
- Microwave safe coffee mugs

1. Mix all the dry ingredients in a big bowl.

2. Next, add in the milk, oil, vanilla extract, egg and mix well.

3. Pour mixture into mugs (at the halfway mark).

4. Microwave one mug at a time. Cook for 1 minute on medium heat. It will bubble and rise as it cooks, so make sure you provide ample room for that. Leave it for a few seconds, then microwave for another 30 seconds on medium again. The mixture will solidify, but still look a little molten. That is fine because it will continue cooking on residual heat. Overcook it and you get a chocolate rubber ball.

5. Allow to cool a little and start digging in. Of course, nothing is stopping you from embellishing your cake and eating it too!

Have your cake and eat it too!!
Enjoy with your Valentine! Have a sweet one,

Lori
Little Chefs
www.thelittlechefs.ca
519-940-1131

Upcoming Classes / Cookshops for Little Chefs

Come PLAY with your Food!

Learning to cook is more than just knowing how to follow a recipe. It is an adventure into the basics of chemistry; an exercise in the applications of math and reading comprehension, and the visual art of nature’s palette.
Whether your children see themselves as the next Rachel or Emeril- or they simply love to be in the kitchen- we’ll teach them how to truly play with their food!

New Upcoming 2010 Winter Classes / Cookshops:

February
All things chocolate...........Come out to make some yummy chocolate treats for your loved ones! $ 30.00
Saturday Feb 13th. @ Alder Street Recreation Centre in Orangeville from 2 - 3:30pm
Sunday Feb 14th. @ What's Cookin in Erin from 2 - 3:30 pm
*Bring in something for local food bank and receive a valentine's gift for yourself!

Parent Child Cookshop # 1 - Baking that can be made ahead of time? Fast and delicious Freezer Pizza Doughs and Slice and Bake cookies are as convenient as store-bought, but you know what goes into it! $ 45.00 for child parent team
Saturday Feb 27th @ Alder Street Recreation Centre in Orangeville from 2 - 3:30pm
Sunday Feb 28th @ What's Cookin in Erin from 2 - 3:30pm

March
March Break - Animal Treats - Good Enough to Eat! Come out and learn how to make some healthy treats for your furry friends. Contact 519-940-1131 for more information

Parent Child Cookshop # 2 - Ready to create some salads and snacks together? Crunchy salads and healthy delicious snacks for the whole family. $ 45.00 for child parent team
Saturday March 27th @ Alder Street Recreation Centre in Orangeville from 2 - 3:30pm
Sunday March 28th @ What's Cookin in Erin from 2 - 3:30pm
Advanced registration and payment to reserve your seat(s) is with Little Chefs info@thelittlechefs.ca or 519-940-1131

*Classes / cookshops for all age levels include discussions on safe food handling, sanitation, and cleaning up.
*All class /cookshop fees include food costs, food sampling and results to take home.
*Private groups, such as girl guides /boy-scout troops, play groups, parties etc. can be arranged at your area location or one of ours for regular fees. Minimum of 8 participants.

Lori Tinella
Little Chefs
Have a Party that COOKS!
www.thelittlechefs.ca
519-940-1131

Pizza party and lots of baked goods, Yummy!!!

Recently I held a young girls birthday pizza making party and then finished off with the decorating of cupcakes! All the girls ( 12 of them ) had fun with lots of flour, dough and yummy topping to make their customized pizza's. After the pizza's we moved on to the sweetness of chocolate cupcakes, chocolate icing and coloured sugars! All the guests signed the birthday girls apron and left with a custom loot bag filled with a few ccoking items.
If you would like to host a cooking party for your child please give me a call or e-mail.

Happy Cooking!
Lori
Little Chefs

www.thelittlechefs.ca
Have a Party that COOKS!!

Spring Has Sprung So Lets Get Outside!!

Has Spring Arrived?? I ask the question as the weather has been abit weird lately. Snow last Monday but spring flowers were popping up the week before!

Well I am excited to get outside in under 15 minutes without all the winter gear and breathe in some fresh spring air. Besides I need to get my backside in gear since eating too much chocolate these past days!!

Speaking of chocolate, anyone who knows me knows that chocolate is on my list of three survival things if every desserted on a island. (The others are cheese and wine!) So this Easter weekend I decide to make a favorite of many but not made by me in a long time. Chocolate Mousse Cake!! I must say that it gots rave reviews by both families over this Easter weekend.

So I decided that this is what I plan to teach the children to make at Little Chefs Mother's Day Cookshop this coming May 9th . It is held at Tony Rose Recreation Centre in Orangeville from 10:00am -12:00pm! It is a drop off class for 5-13 years olds and sure to be a hit with all the Mothers.
Well as least the ones that live for their daily chocolate fix!!
Please register at either Tony Rose or Alder Recreation Centre today as these book up fast!
Call for more info at 519-940-1131

Yours in good health,
Lori

Little Chefs Cook Up Some Fun Today!
info@thelittlechefs.ca