Saturday, January 7, 2012

Cranberry Upside Down Muffins



From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...I am often done in by my own expectations. That definitely was the case here. I was looking for a recipe I could use to replace a cranberry coffeecake that I've served too often and needed to replace. I wanted a recipe that used cranberries because they provide wonderful color for the red tables of Christmas and Valentine's Day. I chose this one because it was included in Gourmet's collection of 50 Baking Favorites and I expected great things. I'm sorry to report I got ordinary. While the muffins are not difficult to make, they simply are not worth the time needed to prepare them. I've since resumed the search for a cake or muffin to replace the cranberry cake I currently serve. I'll let you know when I find it. In the meantime, here's the recipe for a very ordinary, not too terrible muffin that you may, or may not, want to try.

Cranberry Upside Down Muffins...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite courtesy of Gourmet 50 Baking Favorites

Ingredients:
2 cups cranberries, picked over and rinsed
1-1/4 cups sugar, divided use
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon double-acting baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 cup milk

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Generously butter a standard size 12 muffin tin.
2) Combine the cranberries, 1 cup sugar, and nutmeg in a saucepan. Cook mixture over moderately high heat, stirring, until sugar is dissolved, and boil it, covered, for 3 minutes. Simmer mixture, uncovered, stirring, for 3 minutes and let it cool.
3) Sift flour, baking powder, remaining 1/4 cup sugar, and salt together into a large bowl.
4) In another bowl whisk together egg, butter, and milk.
5) Add liquid mixture to flour mixture, and stir batter just until combined.
6) Divide cranberry mixture among 12 muffin cups and top with batter. Bake in middle of oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden. Cool in pan for 2 minutes and then invert onto a rack. These biscuit-type muffins are best served warm. Yield: 12 muffins.









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33 comments :

Christine's Pantry said...

This looks so good. Mouthwatering!

Ellen Whyte said...

that sounds nice. We don't get cranberries but I'll try this with blueberries when I see some.

Zee said...

Looks cute and delicious!

Red Nomad OZ said...

I'm a big fan of upside-down things and these LOOK sensational - but with no fresh cranberries available, I'll stick to that good ol' OZ staple - the pineapple upside-down cake!!

Becki's Whole Life said...

I'm sorry they didn't live up to your expectations, but I like your honesty, too:-)...they do look pretty though!

Alicia Foodycat said...

What a shame it was ordinary! They look very good. I think stick with the tried and true coffee cake - no one gets tired of a classic!

Big Dude said...

Too bad they didn't turn out to be great, because they look delicious.

Sofia.Lopez said...

Hello Mary!
To me they look very delicious! I love cranberrys and up side down is an original way to do muffins, i loved it! But i will wait for your new muffin recipe...
Have a nice weekend :)
Kisses

Sprigs of Rosemary said...

I think your experience is one reason my Mr. Rosemary hates it when I take a detour from a classic favorite of ours. (Wait till I tell him I'm trying black bean brownies!) But those muffins sure look gorgeous!

Tanna said...

I'll bet no one tires of a cranberry coffeecake that passes your taste test. ;) blessings ~ tanna

Leslie said...

We'll, that stinks. Its never fun to bake something and then take a bite, just to be dissapointed!

Maris (in Good Taste) said...

I absolutely want to try these. They are so pretty!

Anonymous said...

thats too bad they didn't turn out as good as you were expecting, they do look lovely though, I so admire your dedication, the title of your blog fits very well, you're not quite satisfied so you will keep testing until you reach perfection, you do all the hard work and then we can enjoy your testing, I enjoy your blog so much,

Kim said...

It's really bad that these are not as good as you expected, but they look great!

Patti said...

It's always so disappointing when something doesn't live up to your expectations. So sorry that was the case of these muffins.

They do look pretty and delicious though.

Shug said...

Gorgeous! This picture needs to be in a food magazine. I am sure it would win a first place ribbon any where.

Whats Cookin Italian Style Cuisine said...

Those are perfect for the holiday table... going to save this one! love them

Gloria Baker said...

Lovely Mary, I love cranberry:)

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

Oh dear, too bad Mary, that the muffins weren't extraordinary!! You make the most incredible food, but I appreciate your honesty on this one. The brioche that you made recently, really intrigued me.

annie@mostlovelythings said...

These look so good...love the upside down part!

Mini Baker said...

they almost look like little cheesecakes!

Manu said...

Upside down muffins, great idea!!!
Have a great evening

Frannie said...

Yours is the only blog I've read where you post recipes that are not worth making. Though your honesty is refreshing, I have to wonder why you bother posting these "failures." I'd rather see you repeat a past "success" if you need something to make your every day posts - which I admire, by the way.

Valérie said...

What cute little cakes! Perfect for afternoon tea!

Joanne said...

I have some leftover cranberries to use and I was hoping for a blow-your-mind recipe! Oh well. At least they look pretty!

Mary Bergfeld said...

Frannie, your opinion has been duly noted. I spend time and money on the recipes that appear here and when I come across one that does not work, I think my readers should know about it. You obviously do not share that opinion. Perhaps you would be happier elsewhere. Blessings...Mary

teresa said...

mmmm, an absolutely gorgeous cranberry treat!

Coleens Recipes said...

It is always disappointing to put that much work into something and get a ho-hum result, but I really do appreciate you posting it (they ARE so pretty). I have a good cranberry recipe if your are still up for trying new ones: http://coleensrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/09/crustless-cranberry-walnut-pie.html

Bam's Kitchen said...

Adorable. Very unique! I might not be able to stop after just one... Take care, BAM

Nann said...

Oh my stars Mary these look sooo good. I have got to try these. I'm new to your blog and now following. I have a new blog of just a few weeks and am having so much fun finding other foodies and friends. You have a delightful blog here!!!

Nann

BeetleBuggy said...

Haha I love how honest you are about your experiments and that's exactly what helps new cooks/bakers like me. So many times something looks so good when you see it on a blog but it lets you down when you try it. Appreciate your honest notes on this, Mary :)

Mary Bergfeld said...

Christine, thank you for stopping by. I was not able to access your blog, but wanted you to know I appreciate your comment. Have a wonderful day. Blessings...Mary

tender b. said...

I beginning to wonder if all fruits don't taste better upside down.

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