Fragrant Muffins

Apricot Scented Muffins – A Delicious Treat for Breakfast

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

On a sunny morning, nothing compares to the enticing aroma of freshly baked muffins. These apricot-scented muffins are not only delicious but also very easy to make. My daughter Gaby is a big muffin lover, especially when served with a cup of warm milk. So, I decided to surprise her and show her that miracles can happen, even in the kitchen!

Ingredients needed:
- 5 eggs
- 200 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1/2 cup oil (approximately 125 ml)
- 1 cup milk (approximately 250 ml)
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 330 g all-purpose flour
- 1/2 packet baking powder (approximately 7 g)
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 kg apricots (fresh or canned)
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Necessary utensils:
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Muffin tins (or a muffin tray)
- Spatula
- Knife
- Lemon grater

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by preparing all the ingredients. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for a fluffier mix. If using canned apricots, drain them well to avoid excess liquid.

2. Mixing the wet ingredients:
In a large bowl, crack the 5 eggs and add the sugar and vanilla sugar. Use the mixer to combine the ingredients until they become a fluffy, light-colored cream. This step is essential as the air incorporated will help achieve fluffy muffins.

3. Adding the liquid ingredients:
Add the oil, milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix again with the mixer until well combined. The lemon aroma will provide a fresh taste and balance the sweetness of the muffins.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients:
In another bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt. This is an important technique that will prevent lumps and ensure even distribution of the ingredients. Add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula just until all ingredients are combined. Do not overmix, or the muffins will be dense.

5. Adding the apricots:
Cut the apricots into small pieces and fold them into the batter, being careful not to crush them too much. Their aroma will transform the muffins into an absolute delight!

6. Preparing the oven and muffin tins:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Fill the muffin tins up to 3/4 full to allow the batter to rise nicely. You can use silicone or metal muffin tins, but make sure to grease them well if they are not non-stick.

7. Baking:
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the muffins for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown and passing the toothpick test – when the toothpick comes out clean, the muffins are ready!

8. Cooling and decorating:
After baking, let the muffins cool in the tray for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant and appetizing look.

Practical tips:
- Variations: You can experiment with other fruits, such as blueberries, blackberries, or peaches, depending on the season. You can also replace a few tablespoons of flour with cocoa to make chocolate muffins.
- Oil: Use a neutral oil, such as sunflower oil, so as not to influence the final taste of the muffins.
- Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet taste, you can reduce the amount of sugar by 50 g.

Nutritional benefits:
These muffins are a good source of carbohydrates and proteins due to the eggs and flour. Apricots add essential vitamins, especially vitamin A and vitamin C, which are beneficial for the skin and immune system. Additionally, muffins can be a quick and healthy breakfast option, especially when served with natural yogurt.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or even almond flour, but you will need to adjust the liquid quantities.
- How can I store the muffins? Keep them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can be consumed within 2-3 days.

Serving:
These muffins are wonderful for breakfast but also make a great snack. You can serve them alongside a cup of milk, tea, or coffee. They are also ideal for a kids' party or a brunch with friends.

With these apricot-scented muffins, you will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones, proving that indeed, miracles still happen in the kitchen! Happy cooking!