Strawberry Muffins

• sifted flour2 cups

  (sifted before mixing with the other dry ingredients)

• baking powder↗1 tablespoon
• sugar↗1⁄3 cup
• sugar↗1⁄4 cup
• salt↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• fresh strawberries↗3⁄4 lb

  (washed and sliced in half lengthwise then thinly sliced)

• half-and-half cream↗1 cup
• large egg↗1

  slight beaten

• strawberry extract↗3 teaspoons
• melted Crisco shortening1⁄4 cup

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Set oven to 400°F (second-lowest rack).

2. 2

   Line 12 regular-size muffin tins with paper liners.

3. 3

   In a large bowl mix together sifted flour, baking powder, sugar and salt until well combined.

4. 4

   Add in the sliced strawberries to the flour mixture and mix to combine with a wooden spoon.

5. 5

   In another small bowl whisk together the half and half, egg, strawberry extract and melted shortening (the melted shortening added to the cold cream will seem like it is curdled, don't worry this will make a light textured muffin, just mix well with the cream).

6. 6

   Add the cream mixture to the dry mixture; mix JUST until moistened (do not overmix!).

7. 7

   Using an ice cream scoop, divide the batter evenly between 12 muffin tins.

8. 8

   Bake for about 17 minutes.