Could somebody please tell me how to use a dslr camera! I'm so tired of all these non-sharp photos! It's crazy trying to learn how to take good food photos. It's frustrating because I feel I make this scrumpious food, like these muffins I was so excited about, and then I go to take pictures and hate them so my recipe isn't conveyed properly. Sorry, just venting. I guess I can cook a pretty good meal but still learning how to take pics of it. Anyone with tips feel free to share =).
Finally, I have done it! I've created the blueberry muffin of my dreams. It has taken years of trial and error until at last I can proudly say I have made the exact blueberry muffin I've been dreaming of. I had a few good ones along the way, but none this good. These are fluffy, perfectly sweet, incredibly moist, flavorful, generously filled with the perfect amount of blueberries, and they're finished off with a heavenly light crumb topping and garnished with sweet sparkling jewels, that ever so spectacular raw sugar (I LOVE raw sugar, I could eat it like candy =).
Upon eating one, my sister said it was the best blueberry muffin she's ever had and I'd have to say I agree. After about 6 years of trial and error with the blueberry muffin I think I have bragging rights now =). I hope you try this recipe so you no longer have a need to go to that fancy bakery down the street to buy one muffin when you could make 12 even better ones for the same price at home, where you can kick back and enjoy one in the comfort of your home in your pjs =).
These are a different batch, if you want this size fill muffin cups 2/3 full and make 14-15 muffins, personally I prefer the big muffin top, the above.
Yields 14 muffins
Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup buttermilk
7 Tbsp vegetable oil* (the easiest way to measure: measure 1/2 cup remove 1 Tbsp)
1 large egg
2 Tbsp sour cream
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
Crumb Topping
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 Tbsp granulated sugar
2 1/2 Tbsp chilled butter, diced
1 1/2 Tbsp Raw Sugar
Directions:
Prepare crumb topping by combining 1/3 cup flour, 1 1/2 Tbsp granulated sugar and 2 1/2 Tbsp butter in a food processor. Pulse just a few seconds until combine, it should be very fluffy (if you pulse it too much it will become dense). Pour crumb mixture into a small bowl and whisk in 1 1/2 Tbsp raw sugar (please do not leave this ingredient out, it's the crowning jewel of these muffins, it's a MUST), set aside.
In a mixing bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt, set aside. In a seperate mixing bowl, using a wire hand whisk (no electric mixer allowed here =), mix together 1 cup granulated sugar, buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg and sour cream for 1 minute. Gently whisk in dry mixture just until combine, batter should be slightly lumpy (do not over-mix, key to fluffy muffins). Fold in blueberries with a spatula. Divide mixture evenly among 12 - 14 paper lined muffin tins. Allow muffins to rest at room temperature 10 minutes, meanwhile preheat oven to 400 degrees.
After muffins have rested, fluff crumb topping with a fork and sprinkle each muffin evenly with 1 Tbsp crumb topping mixture (if doing 14 muffins you will want to do a scant tbsp). Bake muffins 19 - 23 minutes until lightly golden and toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool several minutes in muffin pan before removing to wire rack to cool.
*If you want the cupcake to be a bit denser, use 3 1/2 Tbsp vegetable oil and 3 1/2 Tbsp melted butter. I've tried both ways and love both I just prefer it a bit fluffier so I use all vegetable oil.
