Muffins

I've tried three recipes from this book so far, and every one of them has been a hit. I tried regular-sized blueberry muffins, banana bran muffins and miniature golden raison rosemary muffins. Each has become a favorite of different friends'. In making these muffins, I used a KitchenAid mixer just because I happen to have one, but realistically these take no time to prepare even without a mixer. I especially enjoyed reading the introduction where it explained muffin basics, such as the difference between baking soda and baking powder, selection of pans, freezing and reheating methods, and tolerance of recipes, all in just a few pages. I get the impression that the author is quite an expert just by how concisely she describes all the essentials in the introduction. In terms of the actual recipes, the ingredients are wholesome and readily available in regular grocery stores, while the instructions are easy to follow. Each recipe also notes the number of regular-sized muffins, and for suitable flavors, the number of miniature muffins it would make. I had intentionally selected traditional muffin flavors to benchmark the recipes in this book. So far, I am thoroughly impressed and will embark on the less conventional treats next, such as peanutbutter-jelly muffins and bacon-onion muffins. My bacon-loving friends can hardly wait.

I got this book when it was first printed, though I could not really use it since I was a student living in a dormitory box. However, The New York Times Review was so riveting, I knew one day I would use it--and I did--in a Graduate Student Co-op ten full years later, in Ann Arbor, with 200 students wanting a tasty brunch each weekend I never had been experienced at serious baking, but this little book gave such great tips and hints to the perfect muffins, people began to suggest I sell them professionally. Big muffins were just beginning to come on the horizon, at the time, in the Midwest. It was so much fun--because the book gave up the big secrets to great baking--and 20 years later, I still abide by them almost religiously. My guests seem very happy. From those early Muffin days at the student co-op--to now--I count on this book. Giving others great food is an uplifting and memorable experience--even at 100/muffins/batch *grin* Go for it! Completely recommend! --Former North Campus Co-op Brunch/Muffin Magician

I have made almost every muffin recipe in this book and every one was a hit with many guests over several years! If you buy only one muffin book, this should be it!

I absolutely LOVE this book, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys baking. The great variety of recipes turn out perfectly every time. I especially love the recipes for muffins with a surprise inside. If you want a book that will please you every time you use it, and you WILL use it often, then buy this book.

I was given this book as a gift the year it was published, and I use it more than any other cookbook I own. The offerings range from smoked turkey muffins (excellent as an hors doeurves in miniature) to our all-time favorite, pumpkin chocolate chip muffins. Also includes excellent basic muffin baking information. Highly recommended.