Black Cherry Muffins #MuffinMonday

 

Cherry muffins are good, no matter what the season. Make muffins with the ones in cans and don't forget to add some of the cherry syrup for more flavor!

Today we had a baking session at my house which included savory cheddar muffins with a salami base, a dozen of Uncle Hector’s 100 Cookies (so called because there are 100 ways to make them) and then, finally, we baked a sweet muffin with canned cherries. You might think that all the baked goods were the best part, but actually, it was the chatting amongst the ladies. Such a delight to have friends around the small table in my cozy kitchen.

Ingredients
2 cups or 250g flour
1/2 cup or 100g sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 can (425g or 15oz) black pitted cherries, in light syrup (drained weight 213g or 7 1/2 oz)
2 eggs
1/2 cup or 120ml milk
1/2 cup or 120ml light cherry syrup (from the drained can of pitted cherries)
1/3 cup or 80ml canola oil

Method
Preheat your oven to 350°F or 180°C and grease your 12-cup muffin pan liberally with non-stick spray or butter or line it with paper muffin cups.

Measure your flour, sugar, baking powder and salt into a large mixing bowl and mix well.

Drain your cherries and save the light syrup.

Set aside 12 cherries for decoration and cut the rest of them in half.  This serves two purposes: One, it make the cherry pieces smaller and less likely to all sink to the bottom of your batter when baking, and two, it ensures that all the pits have indeed been removed. No one wants to break a tooth!

Add the halved cherries to the flour mixture and stir to coat.

Measure the milk, 1/2 cup or 120ml light cherry syrup and oil into a smaller bowl and whisk with the eggs.

Fold your wet ingredients into your dry ones until just mixed.

Divide the batter between the prepared muffin cups and top each one with a reserved cherry.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown around the edges and a little on the tops.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Cool completely out of the pan on a wire rack.

Now invite some friends over for tea and coffee and share.

Enjoy!