Happy New Year!  It’s been a big one at our house, with the arrival of a little one, and a career change for me.  I am so happy to have this blog and every one of you who read along.  I wish you all the best for 2013!

One of my favorite Christmas gifts this year was a subscription to Food Network Magazine! I had let it lapse for a year for some reason, and I missed all the wonderful recipe ideas and photographs. My favorite parts of the magazine are the full color photographic recipe index, and their monthly booklet inserts that feature fifty recipes for some type of food, from potatoes to pizza. December’s food was muffins.  Yes, that’s fifty muffin recipes.  I didn’t have to scan too far down the list to find something good to make: 2. Earl Grey.

These are cake-like and delightful. There is a subtle taste of Early Grey in every bite, although it’s not an overwhelming flavor.  Julia calls them cupcakes, and you will see why as you read through the recipe!

Earl Grey Muffins

adapted from Food Network Magazine December, 2012.

For the Streusel Topping*:

• 2/3 cup oats
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 2/3 cup flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 5 TBS cold cubed butter

For the Batter:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3 eggs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 stick melted butter
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup strong brewed Earl Grey (I added half of a dry teabag too)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

1.  Preheat oven to 350.

2. Mix together streusel topping and set aside.

3.  Mix flour through baking soda and set aside.

4.  Combine the rest of the ingredients in a separate bowl.

5. Add flour mixture to rest of ingredients.

6. Divide among 12 prepared (I made 18) muffin cups, filling each one 1/2 full. Sprinkle with the topping and bake 20-25 minutes.

*I ended up only needing half the streusel mixture, so you might want to reduce your measurements by half.

Now I remember why I stopped getting this magazine–their recipes are so decadent!  I will just have to practice self control and give away lots of whatever I make.

Enjoy, and Happy New Year!