Cracked Black Pepper Cheddar Muffins

The combination of black pepper and sharp extra-old Cheddar cheese make these savory muffin-type dinner rolls a particularly flavorful addition to any winter meal. I made a batch to go along with Christmas dinner. The vegetarians at the table enjoyed these alongside sour chickpeas, brown rice and millet and some vegetables. Though not a traditional Christmas meal, it was a very satisfying and warming vegetarian alternative.

Cracked Black Pepper Cheddar Muffins

Recipe by Lisa Turner Published on December 28, 2007 Easy, fluffy and delicious savory Cheddar cheese dinner muffins with fresh cracked black pepper seasoning Preparation: 10 minutes Cooking time: 25 to 30 minutes Print this recipe Ingredients: 2 cups unbleached white flour 1 tablespoon white sugar 3 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper 1 egg 1 1/4 cups whole milk 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup fresh grated sharp Cheddar cheese Instructions: Preheat an overn to 350°F and grease or butter 12 standard size muffin cups. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the egg, milk and oil. Add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the cheese. Fill the muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the centre of a muffin comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes and then remove from the pan and serve warm. Makes 12 muffins