Chocolate Porter Cupcakes

These are an adaptation of an adaptation.


I recently came across everybody likes sandwiches blog on red ale and chocolate cake which is an adaptation of Nigella Lawson's Guinness Chocolate Cake.


I didn't have Guinness or red ale in the house - but I did have the happy medium: Porter! And not just any porter, but Oregon's own Deschutes Brewery's Black Butte Porter. I had to try it out. Tis the season for chocolate, as you know.


Cupcakes are a lot more fun than cake and bake more quickly - which I find is crucial with a sudden chocolate craving.

"Must have chocolate, now!"


Basically I stuck to the Nigella recipe just subbed the porter for the Guinness. I also skipped on the frosting since we didn't have any cream cheese in the house. But I will definitely try these again with the frosting. These little guys were delicious on their own, but they could use a bit of sweet, dense cream on top. Just like a good pint.

Yummy and moist with a great tangy twist.


Pair with a game of Scrabble and your best buddy ;)

I Heart Christmas (muffins)

Look!! There's a heart shape on the plate with the muffin.

Coincidence?

These muffins are an adaptation of Nigella Lawson's Christmas morning muffins. I substituted whole wheat flour for the regular flour and I used raisins instead of dried cranberries.

J loves these.

Feel Good Blueberry Muffins

I love using local products and this recipe incorporates a few of my favorites.

It's a super healthy version of a Nigella Lawson recipe.

1. Preheat Oven to 400 degrees -grease a small 12 muffin tin or use cupcake paper cups in the tin.
2. Combine 1 1/3 cup Whole Wheat Flour (I like King Arthur's), 1/2 tsp baking soda, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 cup of sugar and a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl.
3. In a small bowl beat 1/3 cup of canola oil, 1 cup of non-fat yogurt (I like Nancy's), and one egg.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix (with a light hand!) Lumps are okay.
5. Grate in the zest of one orange. This makes this recipe!
6. Fold in 1 cup of frozen blueberries (I like Willamette Valley Berries) Mix lightly and spoon into muffin tin.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden. Let cool slighlty and then enjoy with butter and local jam.

Delish and SO good for you!!

We have these for snacks and for breakfast all the time. Also great with yogurt or a big glass of milk.