Thursday, May 15, 2014

Soaked Whole Wheat Streusel Muffins

I finally came up with a baked recipe! I love making up recipes from scratch, but have been afraid of trying my hand at baked goods before now. What could be more simple than a muffin recipe? Over the last year especially I've been learning the importance of preparing foods traditionally, hence the soaked part of these muffins. If you are interested in the why of soaking grains before using them for baking and whatnot, this article from Weed 'em And Reap is an excellent introduction to it.

Something else that I've noticed with soaking muffins in general, is that there is no longer a worry of over mixing them.  A big plus when your 2 year old and 3 year old want to help stir everything up.  Since the flour is completely saturated before you start with the rest of the prep, there's no such thing as over mixing!  And yes, they still come out light and fluffy! 
Soaked Whole Wheat Streusel Muffins
2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1 1/2-1 3/4 cups cups buttermilk
3/4 cups coconut sugar or organic brown sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1 egg
1/4 cup plus 2 Tbls. coconut oil melted
1 heaping tsp. vanilla extract

Streusel:
1 tsp. cinnamon
4 Tbls. cold butter
4 Tbls. coconut sugar or organic brown sugar
3-4 Tbls. white flour

The night before mix the whole wheat pastry flour and buttermilk together.  You want the mixture to be slightly runny.  Cover and leave on the counter top over night.  DO NOT REFRIGERATE!!

In the morning: Preheat the oven to 375.  Add the sugar of choice, baking powder, salt, egg, coconut oil and vanilla to the flour mixture, and mix until well incorporated.  Fill paper lined muffin cups nearly full.  (If you live in a lower altitude, you could  probably get away with  the standard 3/4's full, but up here, we need extra)

Mix strudel ingredients together until crumbly, and sprinkle over muffins.  Bake for 15-20 minutes.  I ended up with 14 muffins, you might have more depending on how full you fill the muffin cups. Enjoy the yummy-ness that is these muffins!!!