This week’s TWD recipe was chosen for us by Rebecca of Ezra Pound Cake. I must admit, if these Savory Corn and Pepper Muffins hadn’t been an assignment, I probably would never have made them. I’ve never been much of a corn bread (or muffin) fan, so I would have passed this one right on by. And, I would have never known just how good corn bread (and muffins) could actually be!
As you would expect, Dorie’s recipe takes a basic little corn muffin and amps it up to the next level with the addition of chili powder, diced red pepper and a little minced jalapeno fresh cilantro. Let me tell you, these are some zippy, zesty little muffins!
When making my muffins, I pretty much left the recipe as is. My only tweak was to use half chipotle chili powder mixed with half ancho chili powder in the batter. The smoky warmth of the chipotle chili powder played beautifully against the subtle sweetness of the corn and the gentle punch of heat from the jalapeno.
Although chili was the obvious choice, I chose to serve these muffins with a hearty and robust Caldo Verde. Caldo Verde, a very popular and traditional Portuguese dish, is a thick soup, traditionally made with a dark green cabbage or kale, potatoes and a spicy Portuguese sausage called chourico. My version also includes diced, fire-roasted tomatoes and garbanzo beans along with some plump, juicy shrimp added in at the last minute.
I have to say, Dorie’s muffins were a big hit at Chez SGCC. Not only did we have them with our Caldo Verde for dinner, but we’ve also been enjoying them toasted, for breakfast, the past few mornings.
Even if you’re not into corn muffins, I do hope you’ll give these a try. They really are something special. Add a little sweet, creamery butter and some red pepper jelly and you’ve got a mini fiesta in your mouth!
If you’d like the recipe for these Savory Corn and Pepper Muffins, you can find it on page 6 of Baking: From My Home To Yours and also on Rebecca’s site. As always, stop by the TWD blogroll to see many more creative variations of this recipe.
TWD: Allspice Crumb Muffins
TWD: Pumpkin Muffins
On January 13, 2009 at 9:13am, Kristen said...
Those look like such hearty and delicious muffins! Can’t wait to try these. I bet they’d be good with honey butter. Mmmmm!
On January 13, 2009 at 9:29am, Nina Timm said...
I tried a polenta muffin not so long ago and it was fantastic and my family enjoyed a savory muffin for breakfast. This will be a hit, I can tell….I love the crunchy outside.
On January 13, 2009 at 9:44am, Lys said...
I love corn bread and a savory corn muffin - now that’s one to try.
Polenta muffin???
On January 13, 2009 at 10:00am, StickyGooeyCreamyChewy said...
Thanks, Ladies! Glad you like the muffins. They really were terrific. Honey butter sounds perfect, Kristen!
On January 13, 2009 at 12:40pm, Jodie said...
They look great!
On January 13, 2009 at 1:40pm, HoneyB said...
The muffin photo with the jam looks sooo good! Makes me want to eat it!
On January 13, 2009 at 1:56pm, chocolatechic said...
Gorgeous muffins
On January 13, 2009 at 2:03pm, TeaLady said...
These muffins were good, weren’t they. And so colorful. Love your ‘background’. And the muffins look great too.
On January 13, 2009 at 3:12pm, pinkstripes said...
Your pictures are absolutely gorgeous! I’m glad you like the muffins.
On January 13, 2009 at 3:36pm, vibi said...
Vibrant, brilliant and colorful! I’m sure just like their creator! LOL
Superb as usual, Susan!
On January 13, 2009 at 4:41pm, Karen said...
These would be a nice change to regular old corn bread!
On January 13, 2009 at 5:01pm, Tammy said...
your photos look lovely! my muffins were a bit crumbly, but yours look like they are holding together well!
On January 13, 2009 at 5:30pm, CookiePie said...
They look soooooo delicious!
On January 13, 2009 at 6:13pm, rainbowbrown said...
Very nice, I’m glad you made them!
On January 13, 2009 at 6:38pm, Marthe said...
You’re muffins look soooo pretty!! I loved these and (very unoriginal I know) paired them with chili
On January 13, 2009 at 6:50pm, Engineer Baker said...
Caldo verde and red pepper jelly? I didn’t even know I was thinking it, but you read my mind. Those sound fantastic!
On January 13, 2009 at 9:29pm, Meg said...
I love corn muffins and these look delicious!
On January 13, 2009 at 10:04pm, MaryBeth said...
I love corn bread with corn in it, my husband would love yours with all the spice. Great looking picture, I can almost smell them.
On January 13, 2009 at 10:24pm, Passionate Baker said...
wowww, your muffins looks delicious!
i skipped this week's recipe, but i'm thinking maybe ill try them next time and serve them with dinner?
great job!
<3
On January 13, 2009 at 11:48pm, Secret Server said...
Beautiful pictures. I am new to the group and loved the muffins. I need to work on taking better photos.
On January 14, 2009 at 12:26am, Leslie said...
Mmm…pepper jelly would really take these to the next level! Your photos are great!
On January 14, 2009 at 5:07am, James said...
Great looking muffins! Mine turned out a little more crumbly … but, I used regular milk, I think it’s why.
Love your photos!
On January 14, 2009 at 5:35am, Gretchen Noelle said...
Those look just delicious! Sorry I couldn’t get there in time for dinner. 😉
On January 14, 2009 at 6:11am, Grace said...
if i could have only one condiment for the rest of my life, pepper jelly would certainly be in the running. i truly love it.
On January 14, 2009 at 7:43am, Peter M said...
I’ve had similar muffins/cornbread and it straddles savory and sweet…a big hit in my family.
On January 14, 2009 at 10:07am, Maryann said...
I’d like these on the side of a bowl of chili
On January 14, 2009 at 11:40am, Cooking for Comfort by Jennifer said...
Beautiful job, Susan!
On January 14, 2009 at 12:39pm, Jescel said...
yum! haven’t had a savory corn muffin before.. time to try one!
On January 14, 2009 at 2:53pm, Alexa said...
Your muffins look like a party on a plate! They are so pretty and festive…
On January 14, 2009 at 4:52pm, Carla said...
I love the little specks of color. Great job
On January 14, 2009 at 6:26pm, Rebecca said...
Ooh, can’t wait to try Caldo Verde. I’d never even heard of it. Yum. And those chunky muffins look gorgeous. Love all that color.
On January 14, 2009 at 8:06pm, Linda said...
Wow, that caldo verde sounds out of this world delicious! And your muffins turned out so yummy lookin’ — great job!
On January 14, 2009 at 8:12pm, Heather said...
Oh gah nom nom nom. I want at least ten of those, with cheese and pepper jelly, and a bowl of chili. Please. Thankyouverymuch.
The muffins coordinate so well with that fabric. Don’t think I didn’t notice.
On January 14, 2009 at 10:48pm, The Food Librarian said...
Looks great! And the red pepper jelly - yummmmmmmy!
On January 14, 2009 at 11:41pm, Rachel said...
I too was unsure about these at first but ended up really enjoying them. Love your photos!
On January 15, 2009 at 1:28am, Cakelaw said...
These look great with a dollop of red pepper jelly - yum!
On January 15, 2009 at 4:29am, Núria said...
I want to have a little fiesta in my mouth too!!!! What a great savory muffins recipe! I love it ♥! This looks so exotic to me :D, I’d love to bake these ones one day and see the face my daughter and husband show!!!!!
Sorry it took me so long to come by your blog… still getting organized.
On January 16, 2009 at 11:24am, spike. said...
glad you liked the recipe, your muffins look pretty perfect!
On January 16, 2009 at 5:51pm, diva said...
FAB! this muffin looks amazing. the colours are just dazzling and the flavours sound amazing.
On January 17, 2009 at 9:40pm, Jessica said...
ooh, pepper jelly, YUM! I still have some in the freezer and I’m going to make sure that the next muffin I eat has pepper jelly on it. What a great idea, thanks!