Desserts > Italian Desserts > Sicilian Desserts

Frutta Martorana Muffins Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Frutta Martorana (Italian marzipan fruit candies), chopped

Special equipment needed:
- Muffin tin
- Muffin liners

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with muffin liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Fold in the chopped Frutta Martorana.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
8. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 18-20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
12 muffins

Nutritional information:
Calories: 230
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 200mg
Sugar: 15g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Frutta Martorana can be substituted with any other chopped dried fruit or nuts.

Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
- Substitute the vanilla extract with almond extract for a stronger almond flavor.
- Top the muffins with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a decorative touch.

Tips and tricks:
- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough muffins.
- Use a cookie scoop to evenly distribute the batter among the muffin cups.
- Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Storage instructions:
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat muffins, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange the muffins on a decorative platter and garnish with fresh fruit or a sprig of mint.

Garnishes:
Fresh fruit, mint leaves, powdered sugar, melted chocolate

Pairings:
Coffee, tea, hot chocolate

Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit salad, yogurt parfait

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the muffins are too dry, try adding an extra tablespoon of melted butter or a splash of milk to the batter.
- If the muffins are too wet, try reducing the amount of milk in the recipe by 1/4 cup.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and any surfaces that come into contact with the muffin batter to prevent the spread of bacteria.
- Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Food history:
Frutta Martorana is a traditional Italian confection made from marzipan and shaped to look like real fruit. It originated in the city of Palermo in the 15th century and was named after the Martorana church, where the nuns who invented the treat lived.

Flavor profiles:
Sweet, nutty, fruity

Serving suggestions:
Serve these muffins as a sweet breakfast treat or as a dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Fruity, Almondy