Muffins Exotica



After 4 days of fighting with a fever and flu virus, I just manage to look beyond the covers of my bed. It was a rather rough week with both Soeren and me down suffering with, probably the worst flu bug ever. Both of of us had temperatures in the 40s (Celsius). When it would sink with one of us, it would rise with the other. We're not completely over it, as we still feel the weakness it left behind, making anything even more then walking down the stairs a true ordeal, but at least we know we won the fight and are on the road to recovery.


So why am I sitting in front of my notebook and writing a post. Well simply because, I needed a way to share my feelings. I needed to share the emotion that has filled up inside of me. Maybe I am still a bit disillusional due to the medicaments I am taking so I am hoping you will allow me to indulge in my little emotional spree.



There is one huge reason why we were able to make the recovery so smoothly. Like a strong pillar to lean on, my Tom went to all lengths and looked after us like no one else I have ever come across. As I went into the second day of high temperature he wrapped cold towels around my calves - to help get the fever to sink. He cooked, cleaned and tried to pamper us with fresh fruit salad. Yes, folks, I do have the best one around. I could go on and on, but I won't because I am not up to it right now. I know he knows it but just in case he ever needs confirmation .....

I LOVE YOU!

Now to the muffins (no I'm not getting any soppier than that). I had actually made these muffins a while back when we were all felling fit and healthy. They are an exotic dream. Smooth, moist and fruity. Not too sweet and full of flavor. They were actually to be a part of this event created by the lovely Elena, but alas that flu! Nonetheless, I did not want you to miss out on these muffins.

I hope you enjoy them.






Ingredients:

230g flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon all-spice
120g butter
180g brown sugar
2 large eggs - beaten
3 tablespoons natural yogurt. As an alternative you can also use a pineapple or banana flavored yogurt).
1 tablespoon vanilla aroma
75g pineapple - cut in small cubes
30g grated coconut
1 ripe banana - sliced

For the topping
4 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon all-spice
20g grated coconut






Method:

Pre-heat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Line a muffin tin with 12 muffin paper forms.

In a large mixing bowl sieve together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and all-spice. In another bowl beat the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the eggs, yogurt and vanilla aroma and beat for another few minutes.

Now add the sliced banana, pineapple and coconut to the mixture and gently mix with a rubber spatula. Pour this into the dry mixture and work into a dough, making sure not to over-mix. The dough is best when it is slightly lumpy.

Divide the dough into the muffin forms making sure not to fill more that two-thirds full.

For the topping mix the sugar and the all-spice. Sprinkle the muffins first with the the sugar/spice mix then the coconut. Place the muffin tray into the oven and bake for approx. 20 minutes.

Take out and allow to cool.

This is how we enjoyed our muffins: Still warm with a large scoop of vanilla ice-cream






Verdict:

We enjoyed every last muffin. The first ones were naturally the best. I served them as a dessert, still warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. A real exotic treat for the family.
These muffins tasted great a few days later too as the flavor of the all-spice had time to blend into the muffins more. Adding the all-spice was really a great idea as it harmonized with the exotic flavors of the the fruit so well. That's why I named them "Exotica!"

Interested in learning more about Weimar's Culinary Hotspots? Johanna of the The Passionate Cook has started a great new series called Culinary City Snapshot. When she wrote and asked if I would be interested in sharing a bit about the restaurant scene in Weimar, I just could not say no! So, before you click anywhere else click here and read about Weimar: Culinary City Snapshots




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24 comments:

  1. Take care Meeta and Soeren you too baby.Flu is everywhere these days.
    We are all still not affected by it so far fortunately but spring is almost here,that means Allergy attacks for me!!
    Muffins look great.I have sent you my savory cake entry.Thanks for hosting darling,get well soon.Hugs to both you.

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  2. I am glad to read that you are feeling better after all. Hope you'll recover fully soon.

    Ooooh those muffins look so yummy that I'm longing to reach out and take one immediately.

    so now I am hungry and go and dream of your lovely muffins...

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  3. So sorry to hear you've been feeling so poorly. Being sick is awful. I love hearing that you are being well cared for when you're sick, very sweet!

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  4. Glad to hear you both are on the road to recovery. Get lots of vitamin C and plenty of rest. I've heard that the flu strain going around is a particularly virulent one so take it slowly.

    Those muffins looks so scrummy!

    Big hugs
    Pam

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  5. I was wondering where you'd gotten to! Hope you're feeling all better now. Those muffins sound delicious!

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  6. Hey ! I came to your blog after a very very long time and was taken aback to know that you were so ill. Are you up and about now? Do take care. I just ran thru your blog and and the latest pics are awesome. I like the MM of Savoury Cakes. I do not know what I'll make but would love to take part. It will be after a very long time .

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  7. Ow, sorry to hear you've been poorly. Glad you're recovering though.

    Your photos are beautiful and exotic and i'm sure the muffins tasted that way too.

    I love, love the photos!

    Mae

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  8. I'm happy to hear you are recovering. Hope you're 100% soon.

    I just love the pina colada flavors in these muffins. The yogurt must make them extra moist as well. Thanks for the recipe, and stay well!

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  9. Glad you're feeling better, Meeta! A big hug!

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  10. Hope the two of you are doing better now. I feel that the pampering and care shown by our loved ones is the ONLY effective medicine when we fall sick. Their mere presence can lift our spirits !! Get well soon :-)

    The muffins truly look exotic ,wish I could grab one form the basket !

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  11. It sounds like you were in very good hands- what a lucky girl!

    Now, if only every bout of sickness could end in muffins as delicious as these. "le sigh..."

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  12. Oh Meet!!

    I am sorry to hear that! Hope you all resume bacl to a healthy, lovely and fresh life again, and soon!!

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  13. Hi ,
    Im here for the first time.You have a wonderful blog going on Meeta.This muffin is exactly like the name ...Nice pics

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  14. Glad you're feeling better. Continue to get stronger.

    Hugs,
    Paz

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  15. Nice presentation and the muffins look great. Viji

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  16. People you never seize to amaze me. I thank you so much for your well wishes. Both are now feeling much better and are looking forward to enjoying the first spring sun.

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  17. Glad to hear that you are feeling better! What a nice Tom! and what a beautiful declaration of love...
    Those muffins are out of this world! The pictures are great.

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  18. Tom is a gem... what a great guy!

    I am sorry your house has been so sick. Those muffins look fantastic... good enough to crawl out of bed for!

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  19. Hi,
    You have a nice blog and some excellent recipes.
    I think you meant to say "People you never cease to amaze me" instead of " seize"!

    Hazel

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  20. Once again thank so you for the well wishes. I do feel much better and now have the energy of 100 horses. ;-) Been managing plenty of errands and even doing a lot of cooking again.

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  21. This is a great recipe! Allspice is one of my favorite spices. I think it's one of those ingredients people notice but can't put their fingers on. I just bought some whole allspice, and I'm anxious to grind it myself and see if the flavor is even more pronounced. Your blog design with the 2 sidebars looks really nice, by the way!

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  22. Muffin exotica looks very very good Meeta - if I were to bake it as a cake instead of muffins, how long (approx) would it need to bake?

    Thanks in advance

    Miri

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  23. Hi Miri,

    I would increase it to approx. 40 minutes. Check at the 40 min mark by inserting a toothpick in the center and if it comes out clean it should be ready. If not then add another 5 minutes. The beauty of the muffins is that they are moist and tender so the cake should not get too dry by overcooking.

    Let me know how it turned out!

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Thank you for visiting What's For Lunch, Honey? and taking time to browse through my recipes, listen to my ramblings and enjoy my photographs. I appreciate all your comments, feedback and input. I will answer your questions to my best knowledge and respond to your comments as soon as possible.

In the meantime I hope you enjoy your stay here and that I was able to make this an experience for your senses.

Hugs
Meeta