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.