muffins

Muffins
I have to say that anytime I ask an Italian what American food they like, the answer is always hands down “I muuufffin”. The way they pronounce it is hysterical! And they get this warm and cuddly smile on their faces when they say it. It’s really cute.
So, I have finally made them and you wouldn’t believe how many compliments they got!
It took me a while to get around to making them, because I had to compile all the stuff necessary to make them.
The big muffin tin was acquired some time ago, then the paper muffin cups, which sat unopened for about a year, made by some German company, then last week the final inspiration…the mini muffin tray! Oh and my favorite new cooking magazine had a spread under the weekend section, on, you know it, muffins! They titled it “Piccole delizie per tutti i giorni”. They of course had some Italianized versions of the recipe like Muffin al prosciutto e piselli and Muffin al grana (like Parmesan cheese).
Couldn’t find the blueberries, so I opted for some seasonal fruit. Made one batch with orange zest and the other apple & cinnamon.
They were mainly for my Australian friend Margaret, who came for the weekend. Unlike me she is very rigorous about her eating habits and only had, maybe one. That left us with more than 2 dozen muffins left. I sent about 15 to work with Graziano, and his colleagues said that wasn’t enough, and asked if I would take personal orders.
Violetta, a girl who helps me keep my house clean, ate 2 or 3 and was happy. I sent her home with 6 for the family. She said her oldest son ate them all, as soon as she picked him up from school.
I gave 4 to Cesare, my neighbor who I have nicknamed the Rebel. He didn’t say anything about them though. He’s kind of a man’s man & wouldn’t want to fess up to liking sweets.
I gave 4 to Daniella & her father Giovanni, my chatty neighbors. She instantly wolfed down one right on the spot in front of me, and said “sono buoni”, with her mouth full. The next day she asked for the recipe. Thank god it’s already in Italian!
Graziano had the last muffin this morning, so now they are gone.
So if you ever want to make friends in Italy, make muffins!