Cheese Muffins (Makes 9)

Ingredients:

55g butter ; 200g plain flour ; 2 tsp baking powder ; 1 tbsp sugar ; 1/4 tsp salt ; 1 tsp paprika ; 2 eggs ; 125ml milk ; 1 tsp dried thyme ; 55g mature Cheddar cheese (cut into 1cm dice)

Method:

(1) Preheat the oven to 190C. Thickly grease 9 deep muffin tins or use paper cases.

(2) Melt the butter and set aside.

(3) In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and paprika.

(4) In another bowl, combine the eggs, milk, melted butter and thyme, and whisk to blend.

(5) Add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients and stir just until moistened; do not mix until smooth.

(6) Place a heaped spoonful of batter into the prepared cups. Drop a few pieces of cheese over each, then top with another spoonful of batter. For even baking, half-fill any empty muffin cups with water.

(7) Bake until puffed and golden, about 25 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before unmoulding on to a rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Remarks:

Paprika is a sweet red pepper used in cooking.