Fresh Berry Muffins

So I usually try to make something for the first time following the recipe exactly, but I didn't this time. Instead of fresh berries I used frozen and instead of half and half I just used 1% milk and they still turned out delicious....

First of all, preheat your oven to 375 F.

1 cup of fresh boysenberries, blackberries, raspberries or currants (Or in my case some frozen mixed berries (unthawed enough to chop). I chopped them up since they were rather large) Then sprinkle about 2-4 tablespoons of sugar over the top and let them sit for about 15 minutes. (I just used 2 tablespoons and it was more then enough. You could also use stevia or another type of sweetener if you have blood sugar concerns)

In a large bowl add 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter at room temp (or 5-10 seconds in the microwave...hehe) and 1/4 a cup of brown sugar. Beat until fluffy.

Now according to my 5 year old all eggs need a nest to sit in before you use them, so here is the nest she usually makes for me whenever I am baking!

Add two eggs to the sugar and butter and beat well. (Sorry, I took the picture before it was beaten well...)

My 3 year old LOVES to line the pan. But unfortunately I have learned that with real muffins (with less then 3/4 a cup of sugar) they tend to stick to the paper pretty bad and you don't get to enjoy the entire muffin. So it looks like she will just be enjoying this activity for cupcakes!

In a medium bowl mix together 2 cups of unbleached all purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 a teaspoon of salt. Measure out 1 cup of half and half (or milk in my case) and  add to the flour mixture alternately with the butter mixture and remember to mix just until moistened. I usually like to let it sit for a few minutes, and then take a couple of final stirs to get out any of the pockets of flour that still remain.

Put a spoonful of batter in the pan, then a spoonful of berries, followed by another spoon of batter. The recipe actually says to make 9, but I had enough to make 12.

/

Sprinkle the tops with a combination of 1/4 a cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.

Bake for 20-25 minutes on 375 F and serve warm! YUM!