Muffins

Delicious recipe for fluffy raisin muffins

Total time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Who doesn't love a fluffy, steamy muffin with a soft and flavorful interior? These raisin muffins are perfect for breakfast, but also for a delicious snack throughout the day. With a combination of simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow technique, you'll have a quick dessert that will delight kids and adults alike.

The history of muffins dates back centuries, when they were prepared in different shapes and with different fillings, and grew in popularity with families who wanted a sweet but nutritious snack. These raisin muffins bring a touch of nostalgia and comfort and are ideal to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients required:
- 150 ml warm milk
- 3 large eggs
- 500 g flour
- 200 g sugar
- 100 g margarine (or butter for a richer taste)
- 100 g raisins (you can use other dried fruits if you prefer)
- 1 vial rum essence
- 1 phial vanilla essence
- 2 sachets vanilla sugar
- 2 sachets dry yeast
- Pinch of salt

Step by step for fluffy muffins:

1. Preparing the ingredients: make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature, as this will help to better homogenize the batter. The milk should be lukewarm, not hot, so as not to affect the yeast.

2. Mix the eggs: In a medium bowl, add the 3 eggs, 200g sugar and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer to blend the ingredients for 3-4 minutes, until you have a light colored fluffy foam.

3. Activate the yeast: In a larger bowl, pour the lukewarm milk and add the 2 sachets of dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, until the yeast becomes active and begins to bubble.

4. Combining ingredients: Over the milk and yeast mixture, add egg foam, rum essence, vanilla essence and melted margarine. Use the mixer on low speed to mix well.

5. Incorporating the flour: Start gradually adding the flour (500 g) and mix well until you have a sticky, soft dough. It is normal for the dough to be wet, it will become easier to work with as time goes by.

6. Adding the raisins: Stir the raisins into the dough with a spatula or wooden spoon. At this point, you can add other favorite ingredients, such as chocolate or chopped nuts, to make the muffins even more special.

7. Prepare the muffin pans: If you use silicone molds, there's no need to grease them. If you have aluminum pans, be sure to grease them with butter or margarine to prevent sticking. Fill each mold with batter, leaving a little room at the top, as the muffins will rise during baking.

8. Baking the muffins: Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius. Place the trays in the oven and bake the muffins for 20 minutes. Check if they are cooked using a toothpick: if it comes out clean, the muffins are ready!

9. Cooling: Let the muffins cool for a few minutes in the tray, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They are delicious both warm and at room temperature.

Serving suggestions:
These fluffy raisin muffins can be served plain or dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant look. They're great with a cup of tea or coffee, but can also be enjoyed with a little butter or fruit jam for added flavor.

Possible variations:
You can experiment with different flavors or ingredients! Replace raisins with dried cherries, add chocolate chunks or even banana slices for an even more interesting snack. Also, if you like to personalize your recipes, you can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
These muffins are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the whole day. Eggs add essential protein, and raisins contribute antioxidants and fiber. Also, the healthy fats in margarine (or butter) can help absorb fat-soluble vitamins.

FAQs:
1. Can I use whole-wheat flour? Yes, but you may need to adjust the amount of liquid as wholemeal flour absorbs more water.
2. How can I store the muffins? Place them in an airtight container at room temperature and they will stay fresh for 2-3 days.
3. Can I freeze muffins? Yes, you can freeze the muffins after they have cooled completely. Be sure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn.

These raisin muffins are a great choice to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Whether you're making them for breakfast, an office snack or a get-together with friends, you won't go wrong with this simple and delicious recipe. Enjoy!