|
Ginger-Lime Muffins
Having a brunch party, or hosting afternoon tea? With their
crunchy, sweet-and-sour top and moist interior, these would get scarfed right
up. Just be careful not to overbake, and serve them within a few hours of
cooling.
Makes 12 muffins
Ingredients:
shortening, for greasing
grated zest of 2 limes, plus 1 teaspoon more
1/2 cup turbinado sugar (such as Sugar in the Raw)
2 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon kosher salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
3/4 packed cup dark brown sugar
2 eggs
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup, plus 2 tablespoons finely chopped crystallized ginger
1/2 cup golden raisins (optional)
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 12 cup muffin tin with the
shortening.
In a food processor, combine the lime zest from the 2 limes and the turbinado
sugar. With the machine running, add the fresh ginger and process until smooth;
set aside.
In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, ground ginger, baking powder, baking
soda, and salt; set aside.
In the large bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the butter, brown sugar,
and the 1 teaspoon lime zest until fluffy, about 3 minutes, scraping down the
sides of the bowl. Add the eggs 1 at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl
after each addition and mixing until fully incorporated, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the
flour mixture in 3 additions, alternating it with the buttermilk. Mix thoroughly
and scrape down the sides of the bowl between additions. Fold in the 1/4 cup
crystallized ginger and the raisins, if using.
Divide the batter between the cups of the prepared muffin tin, filling each 3/4
full. Scatter a scant teaspoon of the turbinado sugar mixture over each muffin,
and sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons crystallized ginger. Bake until
puffed and golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean,
about 20 minutes. Do not overbake. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then
transfer to a wire rack.
|
