Sweet Corn Muffins with Pumpkin and Cherries

 Ingredients: -3/4 cup milk -1/2 cup sugar -1/2 teaspoon salt -1/3 cup oil -1 cup cornmeal, sifted -1 packet vanilla sugar -2 eggs -1/2 cup pumpkin, baked and mashed (about 175 g) -1/3 cup semolina -1 1/2 tablespoons flour -1/2 teaspoon baking powder Others: -oil -fresh cherries / from compote or jam (well drained), pitted -powdered sugar, for decoration, optional

To prepare these delicious pumpkin and cherry muffins, start by boiling the milk together with sugar, salt, and oil. Stir constantly to ensure that the sugar dissolves completely and evenly. Once the milk starts to boil, set the pot aside and, with great care, sprinkle the cornmeal in, whisking vigorously. This step is essential to avoid lumps and to achieve a fine and homogeneous mixture. Allow the mixture to cool slightly so that you do not cook the eggs when you add them.

After the mixture has cooled, add the vanilla sugar and the well-beaten eggs. Mix carefully so that all the ingredients are perfectly integrated. The next step is to add the pumpkin, which brings a sweet flavor and a moist texture to the muffins. Then, add the semolina, which will contribute to the final consistency, and finally, the sifted flour together with the baking powder. Mix again, ensuring that there are no lumps and that the dough becomes homogeneous.

Once the mixture is ready, grease the muffin tin with a little oil. Pour approximately two tablespoons of the cornmeal mixture into each cavity, leaving room for it to rise during baking. Carefully place a cherry in the center of each muffin, which will add a tangy note and a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the pumpkin.

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the muffin tin inside. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the muffins are nicely browned and pass the toothpick test. Once baked, let them cool slightly in the tin, then carefully remove them to a plate.

For an extra touch of elegance, you can dust them with powdered sugar before serving. These muffins are excellent alongside a glass of warm milk or buttermilk, but they also pair perfectly with a cup of hot tea or aromatic coffee. Enjoy every bite and savor the perfect combination of flavors!

 Tags:  eggs milk flour oil cream sugar fruits pumpkin christmas and new year's recipes sour cherries vegetarian recipes recipes for kids