Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Oatmeal Muffins

When you think it's too hot for oatmeal (it's been in the upper 80s and low 90s here)...bake Oatmeal Muffins.  And, that's just what I did today after watching an episode this weekend of America's Test Kitchen on PBS.  Great hints for making sure you have that oatsy taste without making a dry muffin is what caught my attention. 

Muffins, like scones, are one of my favorite breakfast foods to bake; not to sweet, but oh so yummy and comforting way to start the day.  They are typically a "quick bread" product, sweet or savory, and here in America, similar to a cupcake shape.  I love that they bake up quicker than a bread and just the right bite to satisfy.  I definitely didn't want the oven on for over an hour while I'm trying to keep the house cool!

Oatmeal Muffins
2 cups Old-fashioned rolled Oatmeal
2 T unsalted butter
In a sauce pan or frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat and add the oatmeal.  Toasting the oatmeal brings out the flavor!  Cook and stir occasionally for 6 to 8 minutes.  Remove from the stove and put mixture in a food processor.  Pulse several times to get a fine "oat flour."
Add to the bowl:
1 3/4 cup King Arthur all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. salt
and pulse once more to combine.

In a mixing bowl:
1 1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 3/4 cups milk
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
6T unsalted butter, melted
Whisk the sugar and milk together, then add the lightly beaten eggs and whisk once more to combine.  Add the unsalted butter and whisk again.

Add the half of the dry ingredients to the mixing bowl and use a whisk to stir lightly, then tap the whisk on the side of the bowl to release the mixture.  Don't over mix!  Repeat with the rest of the dry ingredients use the whisk to stir and tap on the side of the bowl.

The mixture will be runny, but not to worry--you need to set aside the batter for 20 minutes to thicken!
Make the "apple crisp inspired"topping while the batter is resting.

Topping:
1/2 cup Old fashioned rolled oats
1/3 cup King Arthur all-purpose flour
1/3 cup Pecans, finely chopped
1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
pinch of salt
4 T unsalted butter, melted

In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients and toss together.
Preheat oven to 375F-degrees.  Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with a non-stick baking spray.

Using a large cookie scoop, fill the muffin wells to the top with the batter.

Sprinkle about 2-3 T of streusel mixture over the batter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 25 minutes (mine took 23 minutes!)
 The kitchen smelled heavenly and I couldn't wait to bite into these moist, warm from the oven, muffins.
You get a definitely flavor of the toasted oat flour and they are far from dry.  Just what I needed this morning:-D

Tomorrow, marks the 4th Anniversary of our daughter Kelly's passing.  It doesn't seem like it's been that long since every day, my heart feels the aching of her loss.  This morning, a dear friend sent flowers and in her words, "There are lives that must be remembered and cherished."
Orange was Kelly's favorite color and these roses are just amazing.  I hear her words, "I'm Happy," and amongst the tears I can smile, knowing I have friends to lean on.  Enjoy each day to the fullest--that's definitely what Kelly did.
 
 

16 comments:

  1. Your post is beautiful. A perfect remembrance of someone special who walked across the pages of your life. You have been blessed to have known Kelly and we are blessed that you are able to share her with us. One day we will meet her in Heaven. Thank you for sharing your heart.

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  2. What a beautiful photo of you both. Anyone who loves orange is a vibrant person and I am so pleased that you have such a thoughtful friend who honors the day with these gorgeous roses. Thank you for all that you share about Kelly here. She is a profound influence on you! I am leaving wearing a grin.

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  3. I'm baking tomorrow,I'll wear my apron in Kelly's honour.
    Jane xxxxx

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  4. Susan I have been reading your blog for over 4years now and I still continue to walk away afterwards with so much more than a recipe. I am sending you all love and thoughts tomorrow and always.
    Tracy

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  5. I can't even imagine. Hugs to you as you remember your sweet girl.

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  6. Sending my love. Thinking about you and Chuck and Erin and remembering sweet Kelly always.

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  7. Dear Susan...

    I can only imagine the sadness in your heart over Kelly's anniversary. She must have been a delightful young woman and why she had to leave this earth so young is disheartening. Some things we will never understand.

    So glad you live your own life zestfully, as she would have wanted you to.

    Got the beautiful apron. SO LOVELY. Thank you so much, Susan . Thinking of you with dearest regards today. Susan

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  8. Sending big Hugs to you. I know this is a really hard time for you. Your beautiful daughter left many memories and gave you much love.

    The oatmeal muffins look wonderful. I'm a big oatmeal lover.

    hugs, Linda

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  9. Oh darling Susan....this was a truly lovely post. I love it all....special and dear memories for you! It was precious....really it was!

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  10. What a sweet photo of you two! Kelly was such a sweet gal.
    These oatmeal muffins look wholesome with that tempting streusel topping!

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  11. Oh, boy I want to try this oatmeal muffins recipe. they look and sound good!
    I understand about missing Kelly because I feel the same way about my Michael who has been gone six years. take care
    stamping sue
    http://stampingsueinconnecticut.blogspot.com/

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  12. Love your post and thinking of you, my friend. Such a lovely tribute to Kelly. XO, me :)

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  13. I love oatmeal muffins. Haven't had them in ages. Time to bake!

    Kelly was so beautiful, inside and out. I know you miss her every day, but the anniversaries are extra difficult. Sending you (belated) hugs!

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  14. those ;muffins look so delish, love the way you can actually see all the oats...yummy some butter and jam and I am all over those..thanks for the great recipe...Phyllis

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  15. These muffins look wonderful, Susan! Thanks for sharing the photo of you and Kelly–I know you must miss her so much.

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