Allspice Crumb Muffins

People tell me I have a white thumb, not to be confused with a white nose which I believe has a quite different connotation.

I'm assuming it's because I'm always baking. Constantly. It's my go-to for dinner parties. My no-brainer for last minute gifts (shame on me, I know). It's what I do when I'm sad. When I'm happy. When I'm craving chocolate and all things salty, with a heating pad pressed against my belly.

It really is my cure-all, and it has never failed me.

I always find it amusing when others talk about my baking. And believe it or not-it happens alarmingly often. I have one friend who brings up these scones I made whenever introducing me to others.

"Man, I'm telling you these scones were ridiculous!"

I usually just nod my head and think that he is giving me way too much credit. The scones were good, though. Also not my own recipe.

My grandparents like to talk about it at their senior club meetings and tell everyone how I will make a good wife. I know this happens because I have had the pleasure (or perhaps the pain) of being present during one such conversation. I almost think they use it as subtle advertising targeted toward the other seniors' grandsons.

Any twenty something future doctors there?

Any takers?

She makes a mean chocolate chip cookie!

As much as my cheeks color when others talk about my baking this or that, I can't say that I don't enjoy it. It makes me feel a bit silly, but at least they aren't saying bad things. Much rather them talking about the cupcakes I made last week then knocking my outfit.

So, in closing (to the longest post ever, I think)...

Let's give them something to talk about.

Allspice Crumb Muffins

Streusel Ingredients:

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 tsp all spice

5 tbsp cold butter

Muffin Ingredients:

2 cups flour

8 tbsp butter, melted

1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup sugar

1 tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp all spice

1/4 tsp salt

2 large eggs

3/4 cup milk

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

For the streusel, cut the butter into chunks and add to the flour and sugar mixture. Using your hands, mix all ingredients together until it forms a coarse meal with irregular chunks of butter. Refrigerate until use.

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, allspice, and baking powder. Add the brown sugar, making sure to work out all the lumps. In a separate bowl, combine the liquids. Add to the dry ingredients, mixing well. The batter will be lumpy.

Pour into prepared muffin tin (12-cup). Next, take the streusel topping from the refrigerator and sprinkle atop the muffins, pressing it down slightly into the batter.

Bake for 20 minutes.

Source: Annie's Eats