Tuesday, January 13, 2009

TWD - Savoury Corn and Pepper Muffins


This week's Tuesday with Dorie has a spicy zing - hosted by Rebecca of Ezra Pound Cake, she has chosen Dorie's Savoury Corn and Pepper Muffins. When I first read the title of this recipe, I thought "pepper" referred to the spice; in actual fact, it refers to jalapeno peppers and capsicum (called a pepper in the US).


I have joined baking groups to make me try things that I would never otherwise have tried, whether because of the perceived skill level required or my expectation that I would not like the taste. These muffins would have fallen into the latter category if I had not joined Tuesdays with Dorie, because my only prior experience with savoury muffins is of horrendous tasting store bought versions, which taste more like dust than a muffin. I also generally prefer sweet things.


However, these muffins surprised me - I really liked the flavour. Although they looked a little odd to me with their rough, bumpy tops, the flavour was a winner, starting off sweet with the corn, coriander and capsicum, and then developing a real zing as the chilli flavour hits you. They were really really tasty, and - shock horror - I'd make them again!


I followed the recipe for these muffins to the letter, except that I couldn't find jalapenos, so I left them out, and I made mini muffins instead of the full size versions. I also made microwave chilli jam, ostensibly to eat with the muffins, but it turned to rock toffee that hardened in the jar. Oh well, these muffins were so good on their own, so I didn't even miss the jam.


The troops liked these muffins too. I wasn't sure how they would be received, as they are very different to what I usually make, but I was pleasantly surprised at the response.


All round, these muffins were a pleasant surprise. Thanks to Rebecca for hosting TWD this week. To see all the other TWDers versions of these muffins, check out the TWD blogroll (and don't forget to check out a few of our new members' blogs).

29 comments:

Tammy said...

I'm pleased you liked them. I couldnt get jalapenos either. I found them a bit boring :0)

Ivy said...

I've never made savory muffins before and these sounds great.

Maria said...

I made these with black bean soup. They went well together!! I like the color in them too!

The Blonde Duck said...

Those look wonderful! Yum!

Anonymous said...

I agree about the store bought muffins, they taste terrible! But I'm willing to believe these taste great. The flavour combo sounds delish :)

Cakelaw said...

LOl Tammy - I was surprised that I liked them.

Hi Ivy, Dorie says yuopu can also make them without th epeppers, but I liked th extra flavour they gave.

Agreed Maria - they are colourful!

Thanks Blonde Duck :)

Hi Lorraine, I have always hated the svaoury muffins that I tried prior to these, so I am glad that TWD gave me a new perspective on them.

Engineer Baker said...

Yours look wonderful colorful :) I'm glad you found a savory muffin that you liked!

Jules Someone said...

Glad you enjoyed them! I skipped the hot peppers as well.

jesse said...

Mmm, they sound and look delicious, even without the jalapenos!

Cakelaw said...

Thanks Caitlin - so am I.

Hi Jules, I found the chilli made them hot enough as is, so I didn't miss it.

Thanks Jesse :)

Shelby said...

I like the sound of these with the jam!

Pamela said...

What a pleasant surprise for you that you enjoyed them! I'm glad that you did! They look lovely.

chocolatechic said...

They were fabulous, weren't they?

I am making them again tonight.

TeaLady said...

Your muffins look tasty. And very colorful. Glad you liked them.

Amy of Sing For Your Supper said...

They look great - I'm glad everyone liked them! I loved these muffins - such a nice change of pace from all the cookies and cakes!! :-)

-Amy
www.singforyoursupperblog.com

Kimberly Johnson said...

Your muffins look great - glad you liked them! I made minis too but I really like the bumpy rustic tops! It never occured to me to smooth them out!

Jamie said...

I love the distinct flecks of color your muffins have..so pretty!

Danielle said...

Your muffins are super cute great job. I know I will make these again next time we have chili!

Dee said...

The recipe didn't really move me when I first saw it in the book, but I reckon the chile would have been a fab touch. Uhm, I'm very keen on trying out the chile jam - if it's not too much trouble could I please have the recipe? My email address is delaniphilips@gmail.com

Leslie said...

I'm glad these worked out for you--they look great!

Gretchen Noelle said...

Glad to hear that you would in fact make them again! Great job!

Unknown said...

just in time when i need some savoury muffin recipes for breakfast! perrrrfect!

Cakelaw said...

Hi HoneyB, alas - I lost the jam!

Thanks Pamela - they were good.

They were fab Tanya, and a nice change from the sweet stuff.

Thanks TeaLady - they were good.

Agreed Amy!

LOL Kimberley - I started to think I did something wrong when I loked at everone else's smooth muffins.

Thanks Jamie :)

Hi Danielle, these are great - maybe I'll try the chiili jam again to have with them.

Sure Dee, recipe on its way.

Thanks Leslie - I was pleased with them.

Hi Gretchen, it's wonderful when things turn out better than you expect them too.

Hi Rita, Recipe will be at Ezra Pound Cake if you wanna try them.

Cathy said...

SO glad that you liked these! My favorite part of TWD is discovering that I love something that I never would have chosen to make on my own. Your muffins look beautiful!

Cakelaw said...

Agreed Cathy - thanks!

Cooking for Comfort by Jennifer said...

I have to agree...these were fantastic! Nice job!

Cakelaw said...

Thanks Jennifer. They were good.

CB said...

I used the jalapeno on mine but to be honest I totally forgot they were in there! Looks like you could do without with no ill effects. Glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Clara @ iheartfood4thought

Cakelaw said...

Hi Clara, It seems that a lot of us missed out the jalapenos, or missed out the peppers altogether, and still liked them. Gotta love a versatile recipe.