Thursday, May 17, 2012

Strawberries and Cream Muffins...Improv Challenge



Wow...where does the time go? It's already time for the May Improv and I'm late to the party. The Improv Challenge is a fun project hosted by Kristen of Frugal Antics of a Harried Homemaker, where we create recipes based on two flavors each month. This month we have Strawberries and Cream, and while I could have gotten really creative with that combination, I decided to go easy and make a muffin (although I spiced it up, just a little, with some cardamom and a bit of orange).

It's been a little hectic at our house for the past few weeks as my mother-in-law, Alice, has been battling a recurrence of cancer and it is in its final stages. She's been my biggest supporter and taste tester...she will be so sorely missed. I thought of her love of sweets as I baked these today.


I almost passed on the challenge this month, but look what I had in the fridge...strawberries and cream! It was meant to be.


Strawberries and Cream Muffins
Printable Recipes

2 cups flour, divided
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cardamom
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
1 1/2 cup sliced, fresh strawberries
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.; line a 12 cup muffin tin with paper liners.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups of the flour, the baking powder, 1/2 cup of the sugar, the salt, cardamom and orange peel; set aside.


oops...almost forgot the sugar...almost.

Toss the sliced strawberries with the remaining 1/4 cup flour. Mix the cream, egg, butter and vanilla together in a small bowl or measuring cup. Add the strawberries and the cream mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just mixed...batter will be lumpy...don't over mix.



With a cookie scoop, divide the batter among the muffin cups. Sprinkle the remaining sugar over the batter. Bake the muffins for 17-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool on a rack for 10 minutes. Serve warm.




For you, Alice. May you have nothing but sweet, sweet dreams.


25 comments:

  1. Beautiful muffins, Cathy. I am so sorry to hear about your mother-in-law. Thank you for participating despite the turmoil in your life right now!

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    1. Thanks for hosting, Kristen! :) I'm so glad you gave us a little leeway on time...baking is so therapeutic, no?

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  2. Oh sweetheart. Sending lots of thoughts to you and your family.

    (hugs)

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    1. Thanks, Jen. I appreciate the kind thoughts. :)

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  3. These muffins look so increadibly good! I love the addition of the cardamom, it would be so delicious with the berries! So sorry to hear about your sister in law, I will keep her in my prayers!

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    1. Amy, the cardamom worked really well with the strawberries (the orange, too). I only started using it a few years ago, but I love it!

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  4. oh my! Those muffins look so beautiful! My mouth is watering...

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  5. Melody, I smile every time I see your name with those notes next to it! :) Thanks for your kind comment.

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  6. They sure look tempting! Love any muffins but strawberry is one of my fave! thanks for sharing!!

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  7. Strawberries make the best muffins! They look amazing :) I'm so sorry about Alice. {{{hugs}}}

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  8. I'm so very sorry to hear about your mother-in-law. Your muffins sound simply amazing. So glad you baked with us this month despite your the sadness you're going through.

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  9. My friend, it must be a hard time for you and her and your entire family. My best wishes and love go out to you all.
    You are very brave to continue baking and looking at the positives of life :)

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

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  10. What a wonderful desert. Thanks for sharing with us.

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  11. I'm definitely trying these! I love the addition of the cardamom and orange, but really love the whole muffin. Thanks so much for sharing this great recipe!

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  12. I printed your recipe for future making. Strawberries will be ready soon and I have your recipe first on the list. thank you andi thewednesdaybaker

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  13. OOhh!! I'm so glad you didn't skip the challenge!! The world needs these muffins!

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  14. They looks great!! Sending prayers out for MIL & family too!!

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  15. Oh, these look irresistible, Cathy.

    My thoughts and prayers are with your family. xo

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  16. Thanks to all, for the kind words and thoughts. My emotions are so intertwined with baking that it was natural for me to make muffins when I am so sad about my MIL. It's nice to have everyone's support..you are all the best! :)

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  17. These muffins look incredible. Love the cardamon!

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  18. Made these this afternoon and am enjoying them right now with my 3 and 5 year old boys. I think my one year old with love them too when he gets up from his nap. I didn't have any cream so I used some 10% greek yogurt I had in the fridge. I also split the flour using 1c white and 1c whole wheat. They turned out great!

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  19. I just made these and they are really good. Thanks for another great recipe. I am just starting fall in love with strawberries in baked goods. I feel like a dash of balsamic vinegar with the berries would be mind blowing.

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