Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Muffins

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Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot MuffinsIngredients

For the Muffins:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg2 large eggs1/2 cup vegetable oil1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 cup finely grated carrots1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)

For the Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened1/2 cup powdered sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extractPineapple chunks for garnish
    • Directions

Preheat the Oven:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.

Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
4. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.Add the Mix-Ins:
5. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, walnuts, and shredded coconut until evenly distributed.Fill the Muffin Cups:
6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.Bake the Muffins:
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.Prepare the Frosting:
9. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.Frost the Muffins:
10. Once the muffins are completely cooled, frost them with the cream cheese frosting.Garnish:
11. Garnish each muffin with a pineapple chunk on top of the frosting.Serving:
12. Serve and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (per muffin):
  • Calories: 280 kcalServings: 12 muffins
    • Notes:
  • Adjusting Sweetness: You can adjust the amount of sugar in the muffins to your taste preference.Optional Add-Ins: The walnuts and shredded coconut are optional, but they add a nice texture and flavor.Storing: Store the muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    • More About Ciabatta Origin: Ciabatta was invented in 1982 in Verona, Italy, by Arnaldo Cavallari. It was created as Italy's answer to the popular French baguette. Name Meaning: "Ciabatta" means "slipper" in Italian, named for its flat, elongated shape. Texture: The hallmark of ciabatta is its open, airy crumb with large irregular holes, achieved by a high hydration dough and gentle handling. Serving Ideas Sandwiches: Use ciabatta for hearty sandwiches with fillings like roasted vegetables, cured meats, cheeses, or grilled chicken. Panini: Press ciabatta in a panini press with ingredients like mozzarella, tomato, and basil for a classic Italian panini. Soup Companion: Serve slices of ciabatta alongside soups or stews to soak up flavors. Bruschetta or Crostini: Toast slices of ciabatta and top them with garlic, olive oil, tomatoes, or spreads. Dipping Bread: Dip pieces of ciabatta in olive oil with balsamic vinegar, or serve it with hummus or herbed butter. Variations Whole Wheat Ciabatta: Substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrients. Herbed Ciabatta: Add chopped rosemary, thyme, or other herbs to the dough for a fragrant twist. Olive Ciabatta: Incorporate chopped olives (black or green) into the dough for a savory, Mediterranean flavor. Cheesy Ciabatta: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or Asiago on top before baking for a cheesy crust. Ciabatta Rolls: Instead of loaves, shape the dough into smaller rolls, perfect for individual servings or sliders. Tips for Perfect Ciabatta Hydration: The dough should be wet and sticky; this ensures the classic airy structure. Resist the urge to add too much flour. Stretch and Fold: Instead of vigorous kneading, try the stretch-and-fold method during the first rise. This technique strengthens the dough while keeping it light. Steam in the Oven: Steam helps develop the crust. You can also spritz the dough with water before placing it in the oven. Avoid Overhandling: Be gentle when shaping the dough to preserve the air bubbles. Patience: Good ciabatta takes time. Let the dough rest and rise fully for the best results. Interesting Pairings Pair ciabatta with Italian wines like Chianti or Pinot Grigio. Serve with spreads like artichoke dip, tapenade, or roasted red pepper hummus. Use ciabatta to make panzanella, a Tuscan bread salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and vinaigrette. Ciabatta bread is not just a recipe; it’s an invitation to experiment with flavors and textures while bringing a touch of Italian tradition to your table!
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