John Paul Urizar
These fluffy blueberry muffins are super delicious and so quick and easy to whip up. Make a double batch and keep them in the freezer for when you need an afternoon tea treat in a pinch.
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand or would prefer not to use it, add 3 teaspoons of lemon juice to 1 ½ cups of milk to sour the milk slightly.
Ingredients
Method
Preheat oven to 210C (190C fan forced). Line a 12-hole muffin tray with large disposable muffin cases.
Add the caster sugar to a large bowl, add the lemon rind and using your fingertips rub the sugar into the rind. Sift over the flour, stir to combine. Add ¾ of the blueberries, stir gently to combine.
In a medium bowl whisk the eggs, butter, olive oil and buttermilk until combined.
Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and mix gently, do not overmix, the mixture should still be slightly lumpy.
Divide the mixture (about ½ cup) among muffin cases. Top muffins evenly with remaining blueberries. For a grown-up version of the muffins, sprinkle with coffee crystals.
Coffee crystals give an additional caramelly flavour and a nice sugary crunch. The large size crystal allows them to retain their shape during baking and won’t dissolve into the muffin mixture.
Bake muffins 35 minutes on the upper middle shelf or until golden brown and cooked when tested. Stand muffins in the pan for a few minutes before transferring onto wire rack to cool.
How to store berries
Handle with care
Berries are delicate and can easily bruise. Handle them gently to prevent damaging their fragile skin.
Sort and discard
When you get home, sort through the berries and remove any damaged or overripe ones. This prevents the spread of spoilage.
Don’t wash immediately
Berries are porous and can absorb water, which accelerates spoilage. Only wash them right before you’re ready to use them. Keep the berries dry as moisture causes spoilage.
Refrigerate berries quickly
Berries are highly perishable. Place them in the refrigerator as soon as possible to slow down the ripening process.
Use ventilated containers to store berries
Store berries in shallow, ventilated containers or on paper towels to allow air circulation and reduce moisture build up. Avoid airtight containers as they need some airflow to prevent condensation and mould growth.
Use the crisper drawer
It’s usually the most humid part of the fridge, which helps maintain their freshness.
How to freeze berries
Freeze in a single layer until solid then place in snap lock bags for up to 3 months.
