Morning Time in Minnesota

This morning we took a trip to Minnesota (at least in our fairy tale).  While it is home to the twin cities, Minnesota is well known for being the state with 10,000 lakes.  Some call it the North Star State, the Wheat State, and my personal favorite - the Bread and Butter State.  It is a state with an abundance of little striped gophers that live in various prairie regions, thus the nickname, the Gopher State.

After spending some time looking for some fun facts about Minnesota, we learned that it is the only state with a "state muffin."  Do you have a guess?  Yes, you are correct...the blueberry muffin!  Not only does it have a state muffin but also a state beverage-milk!  Sounds like the makings for another breakfast for Chad.  This time not breakfast in bed...I think I'll bring it to him on the sofa.  Luckily,  I just stopped at the farmer's market and bought some fresh blueberries!

Minnesota Blueberry Muffins:

 

1/2 cup butter (softened)
2 eggs
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup milk
2 cups fresh Minnesota blueberries (we used local grown GA blueberries)
3 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. freshly grated orange peel

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

 

In a mixing bowl, add butter,

Sugar,

 

Cream the two until light.

 

 

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each.

Batter should be smooth and fluffy.

Gather and measure out dry ingredients.

In a separate bowl, sift together the salt,

 

Baking powder,

 

Flour.

Mixture should be fine and airy.

 

Slowly, add half of the dry mixture to the creamed mixture,

 

Blend and add 1/2 of the milk. 

Repeat until batter is fully blended.

In a small bowl, add 1/2 cup blueberries,

Crush with a fork,

Mix into the batter.

Fold in remaining whole berries,

 

Combine well.

Zest an orange using a microplane.

 

Add orange zest to the batter and mix well.

 

You will need to grease your muffin pans next - we cheated and used paper liners.

Use a 2 inch scoop to pour in your batter.  This will make muffins the same size and ensure even baking.

When all muffin mix is used,

 

Sprinkle tops with sugar.

 

Bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes.

Cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack before removing.

Pour a glass of milk and enjoy...Happy Cooking!