Buttermilk and chocolate chip muffins



I am utterly obsessed with baking at the moment.

The coldness of this winter in Melbourne has inspired me to spend a lot of time by the warmth of my oven.

I have baked and baked and then baked some more. Cupcakes, loaves, biscuits, muffins, tarts.

It was a windy old day here today and we spent most of the day inside while the Batsman recuperated from his winter ills. With the Bowler off enjoying a day at child care, a baking opportunity presented itself.

I often search through cook books and magazines for recipes to try and increasingly, the internet.

Today I found this gem of a recipe and it was so fabulous I thought I would share it.

Buttermilk and Chocolate Chip Muffins (recipe adapted from here)

220g of sifted self raising flour

1/2 cup of vegetable oil

3/4 cup of buttermilk (or regular milk)

1/2 - 3/4 cup of caster sugar

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

150g chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 180 degrees celcius.

Line a 12 cup muffin tin with large paper cases.

Mix dry ingredients together and make a well.

Mix all wet ingredients together and pour into the well.

Add chocolate chips and mix well until just combined. Don't overmix the batter.

Divide mixture between the 12 muffin cases.

Bake in the oven for 15 - 20 minutes.

Devour!

All kinds of flavour combinations are possible with this basis muffin mix. Substitute the chocolate chips for 150g of other flavourings. Next on my list to try are:

Pear and ginger.

White chocolate and raspberry.

Grated apple and cinnamon.

Banana and passionfruit.

Mango and coconut.

Grated orange rind and chocolate chip.

Mmmmmmmmmm.

Sorry. Is my obsession showing?