My Love and Passion For Baking

Hello, my dears:
If you could only imagine my obsession with baking!  I read baking and cooking books as if they were novels; as I do, I ask myself, "how can I make a version of this?"  Who inspires me? Lots of cake artists and chefs , whom I'll never even try to imitate, because it would be impossible.  This morning, I was admiring Ron Ben-Israel Cakes.  There is no descriptive adjective that can describe this genius. If his work is not art, then I do not know what art is.  I would love to own his hands and magic for one day.

I do not have a baking schedule, but if the oven is not turned on, measuring cups and spoons are not being used, or flour and vanilla extract are not on my kitchen counter, my poor little heart gets sad.
Yesterday, I baked sugar cookies for my mom and made these really good muffins, which I share with you today. Finally, you know what  also inspires me to bake? Love.


                                            Fruited Streusel Muffins

Ingredients:                                             Yield: 12 muffins

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup sugar

2 teaspoons grated lime rind

1 egg

3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon nonfat buttermilk

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Vegetable spray

Fruited Streusel Topping


Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Coat muffin pan with vegetable spray.

Combine first 6 ingredients; set aside.  In small bowl, lightly whisk egg, buttermilk, and oil.  Add to flour mixture; stir until  combined.
Spoon batter into muffin pan, filling 2/3 full.  Evenly sprinkle Fruited Streusel Topping. Bake for 15 minutes.

Fruited Streusel Topping 
Ingredients:

2 1/2 tablespoons oats

1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon flour

1/4 ground allspice

1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter

2 tablespoons dried fruit  (I used raisins, but dried berries and  apricots are a good choice)

1 tablespoon walnuts, chopped

1/2 tablespoon grated lime rind

Instructions:

In food processor, pulse first 4 ingredients until well mixed.  Add butter and pulse until resembles coarse meal, about 5 times.  Transfer to small bowl; add dry fruit, walnuts, and lime rind.
Distribute evenly on top of muffins.


Fantastic with coffee or tea!