Forever Nigella 10 - Gingerbread Muffins

Just to let you know, this post was written before I started the paleo diet to help ease my psoriasis. Nowadays I eat a more allergy-friendly diet, but leave these older, non-paleo posts up in case they are useful to readers, as I know not everyone eats the same as I do. Thanks for your understanding. 

And so the Forever Nigella challenge this month, hosted by the fab Maison Cupcake, is called 'Christmas Presence'. And while I was flicking through Nigella's book Feast, I came across these babies. And as they promised all the taste and Christmassy aroma of gingerbread, but in an easy to make muffin, I couldn't resist.

They were easy to make, in the usual way - pour wet ingredients into dry, mix until just combined and bake in muffin cases. I loved the smell of cinnamon and ginger that immediately wafted up as soon as the milky mixture went in to the flour mixture; really festive.

After their 20 minute bake, they came out dark, bouncy and slightly sticky, as they should. They did taste quite treacly, the flavour of the black treacle does dominate. But you soon get that festive kick from the ginger and cinnamon - absolutely gorgeous.

Even after 3 days in an air-tight container they stayed squidgy, moist and tasty so they're great for having on hand to share with someone over a cuppa at Christmas. Or bake a batch and give them away as home-made pressies - I did. The verdict? Easy and satisfying to make, and great for something different over Christmas. 

The Gingerbread Muffins can be found on page 91 of Feast by Nigella Lawson, published by Chatto and Windus.