I don’t bake sweet treats as often as I want to – most of the products out of the oven are more utilitarian in nature – muffins or scones to be taken for breakfast and the like. So it’s nice to have a reason to do so, and visits and occasions are some of the best excuses!
Muffins that Taste Like Doughnuts
Out of Muffin Mania (the same book that gave us Best Ever Banana Muffins), came a recipe for muffins that taste like doughnuts (the name reminds me of Conan’s “puppies dressed as cats” segment, heh).
I decided to make them just before we were to drop by Grandma Male’s house one afternoon. They were easy to make, and produced six large muffins – just enough for us to taste together, with some leftovers for Grandma Male.
Muffins that taste like doughnuts
The texture reminded us of store-bought cake doughnuts, and with a topping of cinnamon sugar, they did taste a little like doughnuts. Next time, I’d be apt to coat the entire muffin in melted butter before a quick shake in a plastic bag filled with cinnamon sugar (instead of just sprinkling the tops with the topping mixture).
Oatmeal Cookies
Mack loves oatmeal raisin cookies, so it was about time I made some for him. I tried Mark Bittman’s recipe, particularly great because it lists alternative ingredients to easily adapt it to vegetarian and vegan standards.
In place of butter, I used canola oil, and instead of nuts, I added chocolate, but other than that, I stuck pretty close to the traditional cookie recipe.
The results were okay – though chock full of oats, raisins and chocolate chips, the dough itself seemed more crumbly than usual, perhaps a result of the oil vs. butter substitution. There also wasn’t enough hints of spice, so in all, the cookies were a bit bland. I’d definitely play up the cinnamon, nutmeg and all spice next time.
Oatmeal cookies
Mack liked the cookies though, and the recipe made a large enough batch that we were even able to freeze some for a rainy day (as Bittman directs). Once the bag is done, I’ll be able to make an even tastier batch!
Only Here for the Food 
Valerie Loves COOKIES!
There is NOTHING that says “I love you” better than a homemade cookie and a glass of milk when one is a bit glum.
🙂
Valerie
Awesome doughnut-muffins! I’d like to give those a try too. I’ve been telling myself that I DO NOT NEED a sour-cream glazed doughnut from Timmy Ho’s…
If you want to replace butter, I really recommend using Earth Balance margarine. It’s vegetable based, but with the consistency and slight saltiness of butter. (I used it in the icing for those brownies)
Hooray for baked goods!
Yum! Those muffins sound delicious…and on these cold snowy days – a warm oven and warm muffins will make those cold mornings a little more cheery =O)
Valerie – especially when they are warm from the oven :).
Ellen – thanks for the recommendation! And the icing you had made was delicious..
Jenn – yes, nothing like a sugar-dipped baked treat to make a winter day better!