The quintessential representative of American breakfast is the humble muffin.

Simple and swift to make, muffins may appear unassuming at first glance, but with the addition of cream, jam, fruit, and other delightful toppings, they instantly transform into a culinary delight.

Whether you prefer them for breakfast or afternoon tea, muffins are a versatile and beloved addition to any table.

Classic Muffins:

Ingredients:

a cup of flour

two tablespoons of powdered sugar

one teaspoon of baking powder

a pinch of salt

1/2 cup of milk

two egg yolks

two tablespoons of melted butter

1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

three egg whites

Instructions:

Begin by setting up three bowls. In the first, combine the flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In the second, mix the milk, egg yolks, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. In the third bowl, use an electric mixer on medium-high speed to beat the three egg whites until stiff peaks form.

Gradually pour the mixture from the second bowl into the first and gently stir with a silicone spatula until combined. Next, pour 1/3 of the mixture into the beaten egg whites and carefully fold them together, avoiding circular stirring. Lastly, return the egg white mixture to the initial bowl and thoroughly combine it with the remaining 2/3 mixture.

Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and brush the bottom with a layer of butter. Pour in 1/4 cup of the batter and gently swirl it to create a round shape. Cook for about 3 minutes or until bubbles appear on the top.

Then, flip the muffin and cook for an additional 1 minute until both sides turn a delightful golden brown. Brush each muffin with another layer of butter and serve with additional butter and maple syrup.

Whole Grain Muffins:

Ingredients:

1 cup of flour

1/2 cup of whole wheat flour

1/4 cup of oats

1/4 cup of cornmeal

two tablespoons of brown sugar

one teaspoon of baking powder

a pinch of salt

1/2 cup of skim milk

1/2 cup of skim yogurt

one teaspoon of lemon zest paste

one egg

two tablespoons of nut oil

a pinch of nutmeg powder

Instructions:

To make whole-grain muffins, you'll need two bowls. In the first, combine the whole wheat flour, oats, cornmeal, brown sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In the second bowl, mix the skim milk, skim yogurt, lemon zest paste, egg, nut oil, and a pinch of nutmeg powder. Pour the mixture from the second bowl into the first and stir with a silicone spatula until combined.

Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and brush the bottom with a layer of butter. Pour in 1/4 cup of the batter and gently swirl it to create a round shape. Cook for about 3 minutes or until bubbles form on top.

Then, flip the muffin and cook for an additional 1 minute until both sides turn a delightful golden brown. Brush each muffin with another layer of butter and serve with additional butter and maple syrup.

These muffin recipes, whether classic or whole grain, are not just a delightful addition to the American breakfast table but a testament to the simplicity and versatility of a beloved morning treat.