Guest Post: Mushroom & Parmesan Muffins

Recipe By Charmian Christie aka The Messy Baker.

How ironic these light muffins can do such heavy lifting. Tired of breakfast cereal? Scramble some eggs and grab a mushroom-studded muffin. Stumped for a lunchbox treat? Pop in a muffin. Need a sugar-free after-school snack? Muffins to the rescue. They even make a satisfying late-night snack.

Consider these mild-mannered muffins as a launch point. I designed them for maximum appeal, but you can customize them to suit nearly every occasion or taste with a simple swap or two. Try a smoked gouda or sharp cheddar instead of Parmesan. If you’re bored with standard bacon, try smoky diced ham, sweet candied bacon, or spicy chorizo. Like it hot? Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, hot smoked paprika, or chipotle powder. Mushrooms can take it. In fact, I suspect they welcome the challenge.

Mushroom & Parmesan Muffins

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Makes: 12 muffins

Ingredients

• 1 cup finely chopped white or cremini mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/8 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• 1 cup Parmesan petals, crumbled
• 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350° Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners.
2. In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. When the butter bubbles, add the chopped mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and all liquid is gone. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, lemon zest, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pepper. Add the Parmesan, bacon, and cooked mushrooms. Toss to coat evenly.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Pour over the flour mixture and stir until just blended. The batter will be thick, almost scone-like.
5. Spoon evenly into the lined muffin cups. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Let cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes before removing muffins from the pan. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
6. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To rewarm, split and pop under the broiler until golden. Microwaves will make them soggy.

Enjoy!

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