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Multigrain Blueberry Orange Muffins ~ #BakeTogether Guest Post

This month’s #baketogether guest post comes from the lovely Barbara or, as those of us on Twitter know her, @blreiss . She’s a regular #baketogether participant, a true baking kind-a gal  and she really has fun with the recipes. For many month’s now, I’ve been posting a pic and description of her versions on the original Baketogether posts just above the blog links so that everyone can share in her baking fun. Sadly, even though I’ve begged and pleaded, I don’t think we will get this #baketogether gal to host her own blog (for now..) but I sure am happy to have her post her inspiring version of cornmeal muffins. Here’s my original recipe.

Here is Barbara’s Multigrain Blueberry Orange Muffin recipe…. She’s definitely in #TeamSweet ! I know you’ll like her as much as I do. And if you aren’t following her on twitter yet.. do so now @blreiss And check out this lovely lady’s background.. Whooa.. this is some serious smarts going on here!

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Variations on #baketogether cornmeal buttermilk muffins
by Barbara Reiss Newman (aka @blreiss)

When I submitted my version of these muffins to Abby this month, she asked me to write this month’s guest post.  What an honor!  She suggested that I might want to start a blog, but you know, I have started blogs–several in fact–and months go by when I forget to write anything.  It’s a discipline, like anything else.  I’d really just rather bake.

I’m not what anyone would call a trained cook.  In fact, I was well into adulthood before I figured out that a cake baked from scratch was way better than one from a mix.  When I got interested in baking–really baking–I started with Maida Heatter’s wonderful cookbooks, and never looked back. I’m still trying to figure out bread and pie crust.  On my days off, I bake something and bring it to work the next day for my co-workers.

As for muffins, we’re definitely in the sweet camp.  I actually make muffins a lot because my husband likes to bring them to work for breakfast (and I finally got him off grocery store muffins, which I think are disgusting).  So I decided to modify Abby’s basic recipe to make them more of a multi-grain muffin. I used white whole wheat flour, brown sugar, and added a tablespoon each of wheat germ and oat bran.  I increased the buttermilk to 2/3 of a cup because I knew I’d need more hydration with all those grains.  In addition, I added the zest of an orange, 1/2 teaspoon of orange extract, and about 1/3 cup of blueberries (because I happened to have them in the refrigerator).  And I used melted butter instead of canola oil. (I’m not a fan of canola oil–sorry, Abby!)  We ended up with 8 delicious muffins that also froze really well–I put a frozen one in the car when I went to yoga class, and it was perfect with a cup of tea when class was over.

My husband has devoured the rest, so I’ll be baking more next week.  (I think with raspberries next time.  Don’t you think  raspberry muffins would be great?)   Also, I make a blueberry pie with a cornmeal crust that has lime and mint in the filling.

Hmmm….corn muffins with blueberries, lime and mint…the possibilities are endless!

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  • LiztheChef
    May 17, 2012 at 3:22 pm

    Barbara, you are the best home baker I know and, since early food52 days, I have been in awe of your creations – nice!

    • Abby Dodge
      May 17, 2012 at 3:29 pm

      Barbara sure does a great job, doesn’t she??

      • Drbabs
        June 25, 2012 at 8:59 am

        Oh, I just saw this! Thanks, y’all!

  • Suzanne
    May 19, 2012 at 5:37 pm

    I love these muffins, Barbara is one fantastic cook and I always enjoy making and eating her recipes. Love this variation of Abby’s amazing muffin recipe.

    • Drbabs
      June 25, 2012 at 9:00 am

      Suzanne, you’re so sweet! Thanks for your comment….I just saw it today!

  • Lisa | Dust with Flour
    May 20, 2012 at 11:30 am

    I SO love blueberries with anything citrus, and I love blueberries with cornmeal. Nicely done, Barbara!

    • Drbabs
      June 25, 2012 at 9:00 am

      Thanks, Lisa!

  • The Wimpy Vegetarian
    May 22, 2012 at 12:36 pm

    I have followed you and your wonderful recipes from my early days on food52, drbabs! I love seeing you in the spotlight here, and am definitely going to make your version of this wonderful recipe. Just know that if you ever decide to start another blog, you will have a ton of instant followers 🙂

    • Drbabs
      June 25, 2012 at 9:01 am

      Thanks, Susan. I think I’ll have to learn to take better pictures…mine are so sad!

  • Sunchowder - Wendy Read
    May 27, 2012 at 3:23 pm

    Ah Barb! I too admire both you and your baking abilities!!! So nice to see you here 🙂 The muffins look great as usual. XO, Wendy

    • Drbabs
      June 25, 2012 at 9:02 am

      Hi Wendy…thank you! Your amazing jams are so good with these muffins.

  • Renee - Kudos Kitchen
    May 29, 2012 at 9:12 am

    Yes, the possibilities are endless and you have such wonderful flavor combinations dancing in your head. I love the way you think! Thanks for the fun read and sharing your ideas Barbara.

    • Drbabs
      June 25, 2012 at 9:03 am

      Thanks, Renee.

  • Drbabs
    June 25, 2012 at 9:04 am

    Abby, I just came onto the site because I was thinking about making mini blueberry pies today. Just saw these comments. Thank you so much, everyone! You really made my day.