MUFFINS: Cousin to the Cupcake
By Brittany Bousquet
July 5, 2012

It may not be a dessert food, but it is equally delicious. Its name has two possible origins. It could come from the French “moufflet” meaning soft bread. It could also come from the German “muffe” meaning a type of cake. In the US they’re known as muffins.

Muffins are defined as a type of bread baked in small portions. They’re often served at breakfast time and can be served warm or cold. Although they look like cupcakes, muffins do not have frosting and often are not as sweet as cupcakes.

Muffins fall into two categories: English and American. In an English muffin a flat yeast dough is raised with nooks and crannies and cooked on a hot griddle. American muffins are made from batter not dough, and instead of yeast, baking powder is used.

While I’m sure it’s common knowledge that states have state birds, state flowers and state mottos, did you know that some states have state muffins? Minnesota has adopted the blueberry muffin, Massachusetts the corn muffin and New York the apple muffin. So far as muffin holidays are concerned, December 19 is Oatmeal Muffin Day and July 11 is National Blueberry Muffin Day.

If looking for a good muffin, come to downtown New London. Sweetie’s Bakery and Café makes their own muffins. Muddy Waters Café has yogurt muffins brought in from New York, and they are fabulous. The yogurt takes the place of oil and butter, and the muffins are incredibly moist. Recently I had their Mixed Berry Muffin, and it was delicious.

So come to downtown New London to try a muffin and explore. And remember to check back next week to learn more about desserts.