Cherry-Nut Muffin Mix

Name: Cherry-Nut Muffin Mix
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 14 muffins (about 3/4 cup butter).
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 cup dried cherries or cranberries; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts; ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS:; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1/2 cup butter, melted; CARDAMOM BUTTER:; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cardamom

Our home economists liked these fruit-and-nut muffins from Marianne Clarke of Crystal Lake, Illinois so much, they modified the recipe to layer the dry ingredients in a jar. TIP: Print the directions for preparing the muffins and spiced butter on a holiday postcard and attach to the jar with a festive ribbon.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup dried cherries or cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS:
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg, room temperature
1/2 cup butter, melted
CARDAMOM BUTTER:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon ground cardamom

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar and baking soda. In a 1-qt. glass container, layer the flour mixture, cardamom, cloves, cherries and walnuts, packing well between each layer. Cover and store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Yield: 1 batch (about 4 cups total).
To prepare muffins: Place mix in a large bowl. Combine the buttermilk, egg and butter; stir into mix just until moistened. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake at 400° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.
In a small bowl, cream the butter, confectioners' sugar and cardamom until smooth. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Soften just before serving with the muffins.

Originally published as Cherry Nut Muffin Mix in Quick Cooking November/December 2005