How to Make Better Muffins

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Mix your accurately measured dry ingredients together in a bowl that is large enough that you won't end up slopping the contents over the edges when you mix (always avoid mess rather than cleaning it up).

   This allows for better mixing and less mess. ,, The batter should look lumpy
   - you're making muffins not cupcakes! , ,, Cleaning muffin pans is a thankless job and once washed they seem to become 'stickier' after each use. ,, If the tops are brown enough but the muffins are not yet completely baked move the muffins to a lower rack in the oven and place a cookie sheet on the rack above the muffins to keep the tops from browning any further.
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   Step 2: Combine your accurately measured wet ingredients in a blender rather than a bowl.

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   Step 3: Make a well in the dry ingredients and add the wet ingredients.

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   Step 4: Mix gently with a spatula or wooden spoon and only until there are no remaining clumps of flour or other dry ingredients.

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   Step 5: If your muffins aren't moist enough

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   Step 6: consider replacing oil with yogurt (also reduces calories and fat!)

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   Step 7: Place your spatula or wooden spoon either directly in the sink or on a double-folded piece of paper towel or spoon rest on the counter (remember - avoid mess rather than cleaning it up).

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   Step 8: Unless you have good quality non-stick muffin pans use paper cups.

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   Step 9: Use an ice cream scoop (the kind with the wire that swipes the inside of the scoop to force the ice cream out) to neatly and evenly distribute batter in each cup.

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    Step 10: Bake at the temperature given by the recipe but set your timer for a couple minutes less than the time given so you can check for tops that are getting too brown.

Detailed Guide

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