Cheese and olive muffins

Cheese and olive muffins – a hearty and delicious recipe, perfect for any occasion, from quick breakfasts to snacks between meals. This simple yet flavorful recipe is sure to become your family's favorite.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Necessary ingredients:
- 200 g flour
- 200 ml milk
- 200 g cheese (preferably aged for a more intense flavor)
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons of oil (you can use olive oil for added flavor)
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 150 g black olives (pitted, preferably)
- a pinch of salt

A brief history of muffins:
Muffins, although often associated with sweets, have a fascinating history where various savory versions have been prepared over time. Their origins can be found in various cultures, where these small cakes have been adapted to incorporate local and seasonal ingredients. Savory muffins, like those with cheese and olives, represent an excellent choice to add a touch of originality to the meal.

Step by step for perfect muffins:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Ensure everything is at room temperature, especially the eggs and milk, to achieve a uniform and fluffy mixture.

2. Mixing the liquid ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the 200 ml of milk, the 2 eggs, the 2 tablespoons of oil, and a pinch of salt. Use a whisk or mixer to mix the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. This step is essential to ensure good integration of the ingredients.

3. Sifting the flour:
In another bowl, sift the 200 g of flour together with the baking powder. Sifting helps to aerate the flour, which will contribute to a fluffier texture of the muffins.

4. Combining the ingredients:
Now, carefully add the sifted flour to the liquid mixture, gently mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix, just until the ingredients are well incorporated.

5. Preparing the cheese and olives:
Grate half of the cheese (about 100 g) and incorporate it into the muffin batter. Cut the remaining cheese into small cubes.
Slice the olives thinly. These will add a salty flavor and interesting texture to your muffins.

6. Preparing the muffin tin:
If using metal muffin tins, line them with baking paper. If you have silicone molds, there is no need to grease them, but make sure they are clean. Fill each mold with batter up to 3/4 full to allow the muffins to rise beautifully.

7. Adding the finishing touches:
On top of each muffin, add a few cubes of cheese and a few slices of olives. This will not only enhance the appearance but also add an extra flavor boost.

8. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and place the muffins in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. These muffins are so aromatic that the smell will fill the entire kitchen, bringing together all family members.

9. Cooling and serving:
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool slightly in the tin, then transfer them to a cooling rack. These muffins are delicious both warm and at room temperature.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the muffins with a fresh green salad or alongside a creamy soup for a hearty lunch. You can also pair them with a yogurt sauce with herbs for an extra flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I substitute the cheese with another type of cheese?
Yes, you can use feta cheese, mozzarella, or even goat cheese, depending on your preferences.

2. What other ingredients can I add?
You can experiment with ingredients like bell peppers, green onions, or fresh herbs to add a personalized touch to your recipe.

3. How can I store the muffins?
These muffins store well at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can freeze them for longer storage.

Nutritional benefits:
These muffins contain protein from eggs and cheese, healthy fats from olive oil, and fiber from flour. Olives add antioxidants and monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for health.

Possible variations:
If you want to add a spicy note, you can incorporate chili flakes into the batter or choose green olives instead of black ones. Another delicious variation would be adding herbs like basil or oregano for an extra flavor boost.

In conclusion, this cheese and olive muffin recipe is easy to make, versatile, and perfect for enjoying at different times of the day. So, don't hesitate to try this delicious combination and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!