The last Sweet Melissa Sundays recipe!
I have been posting with this group since August 2009. I would love to say I completed all of the recipes in The Sweet Melissa Baking Book but haven't since I joined the group after it started and have sat out on my share of recipes. Nonetheless, I have loved this group and this book and it's bittersweet to see it end.
Karen of Karen's Cookies Cakes & More is hosting the final recipe, Hot Pepper Gingerbread Muffins with Orange Maple Butter. I can't explain why, but this is one of the recipes I have been wanting to try since I first saw it and almost picked it for my final pick months and months ago. The flavor combination of ginger, orange, and maple sounds so warm and homey.
Melissa warns not to be detracted by the long list of ingredients and she is correct. Although the list is long, it consists mainly of spices, including three varieties of pepper, and the method is simple. Since this is the last recipe, I decided to follow the letter as written, even including coffee, which I hate and usually substitute.
I made the right decision as this recipe is perfect as is. The muffins are slightly spicy, with a warm and complex flavor profile. The heat takes a minute to hit and is very subtle and would be wonderful on a cold winter day or on Christmas while opening gifts. The muffins are also super moist with a nice texture. The orange maple butter is a nice addition, but I actually prefer the muffins without the butter.
Visit Karen's Cookies Cakes & More to get this recipe and let me know what you think!
I agree, it's a very bittersweet ending! I don't think I'd ever noticed these muffins as I flipped through the book, but I ended up really enjoying them too. It got me in the mood for fall baking :)
ReplyDeleteGreat looking muffins! Thanks so much for baking along with me and joining the group!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe it. I forgot to make these. I have been waiting all along to make the last recipe and I forgot.
ReplyDeleteIf I have time tomorrow, this is on my list.
I am glad, I stopped here.
The end of anything long-term like this often does feel like a loss. You could of course continue baking and posting from that book even if the meme has ended.
ReplyDeleteCandy, I featured your post for Phil's Cinnamon Puffs. I hope you'll continue to join in at Joy of Desserts each week.