Honey + Cornmeal muffins

Muffins are easy to make. There are just two really important things to remember: Don't over-mix the batter. And make sure your oven is at the right temperature. 

Baking powder makes things lovely and puffy in two ways. First, when it hits liquid, the powder causes a sort of Alkaseltzer reaction. Youll notice your batter becomes thick with big airholes in it as it is stirred. Secondly, baking powder reacts with the heat of your oven. To maximize the ultimate puffyness of your muffins, be sure you pop them in the oven as soon as you've got them in the pan. So be sure to prepare your pan before you mix the ingredients.

Baking at a high temperature helps the muffins get nice and tall in the oven, as soon as you put them in, because the baking powder reacts with the heat and makes things go UP. You'll also get that pretty dome top we love.

When you lower the heat, the muffin finishes cooking in the middle, but the lower heat keeps the outside from getting too tough.

This method works with most quick-breads, including biscuits, and helps ensure you get the best rise and still remain nice and soft. 

And always use real butter, so I guess that's three. 

Based on the recipe from KitchMe.

Makes 1 dozen muffins (or about 2 dozen minis)

1 cup cornmeal (i used white cornmeal. you can use yellow too.)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tbsp baking powder

1⁄2 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp salt

1 cup whole milk

2 large egg

1⁄2 stick butter, melted

1⁄4 cup honey

3 or 4 TB honey, melted in the microwave about 10 seconds, until liquid-y. 

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place muffin paper liners in a 12-cup muffin tin, spray with nonstick spray.

In a large bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. 

In another bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, butter, and honey. 

Add the wet to the dry ingredients and stir until just mixed. (Gently fold the batter together with a spatula, just until you don't see big dry spots)

Fill each muffin cup most of the way to the top.

Bake for 10 minutes at 400 F, then lower the heat to 375 F for another 5 minutes.

Optional but highly recommended: Remove pan from oven, gently brush tops of muffins with melted honey, bake again about 2 or 3 more minutes. Tops should be shiny and slightly sticky, even when cooled.