« June 2007 Issue of Gourmet Magazine | Main | What Kind of Mom Am I? »

Smashing Berries

strawberrymuffins-1.jpg

 

There is nothing out there that is quite as gratifying to me as smashing, kneading, chopping, beating, etc. the heck out of food. When I am stressed, give me a recipe that calls for doing something inhumane to the ingredients and by the time I have an end product, my stress is gone.

This morning, my kids were not getting along at all. From the moment they woke up they were bickering with each other about every little thing. They were apparently frustrated with each other and needed a quick intervention. I decided to try to distract them some. They could help me make breakfast, and while doing so, they could relieve some of their obvious stress by smashing some strawberries. I got out two bowls and divided the berries among them. I gave them each a vegetable smasher and they went to town destroying their own little bowl of berries. Instead of fussing and arguing, I heard giggling and laughing. Before I knew it, the first step to our breakfast muffin recipe was done and the mood of my children had changed dramatically.

strawberrymuffins2-1.jpgTogether we finished adding the ingredients, stirring it up and making the muffins. We ended up having a lovely breakfast of delicious Berry Smash muffins. The kids were so proud of their part in making breakfast and I was just thrilled to have a morning where the bickering was squelched from the start.

For your own at home therapy session, give this recipe for Berry Smash Muffins a try.

Berry Smash Muffins (from Recipezaar)

1 2/3 cups fresh strawberries
2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups Gold Medal all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  1. Heat oven to 425 F.
  2. Put a paper baking cup in each of 12 regular-size muffin cups, or grease just the bottoms of 12 muffin cups.
  3. Slightly smash strawberries in large bowl, using fork.
  4. Stir in sugar, oil and eggs until mixed.
  5. Stir in other ingredients just until moistened.
  6. Spoon batter into muffin cups.
  7. Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until light golden brown or toothpick poked in center comes out clean.
  8. Cool 5 minutes.
  9. Loosen sides of muffins from pan if needed, and take them out of the pan.
  10. Makes 12 muffins.
  11. Tip: If you do not have fresh strawberries, you can use frozen strawberries that you have thawed and drained.
Posted on Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 03:09PM by Registered CommenterKristen | Comments33 Comments

Reader Comments (33)

Those look marvelous. Strawberries are just about in season around here and I always end up with so many I am looking for ways to get rid of them.
June 4, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterStacie
These muffins are gorgeous, I love the color, and I can only imagine how delicious they tasted to have such an affect on the little ones!

I don't think I've ever had berry muffins like this....hmmm....
That is why I love to bake bread...to beat the yeast down when it rises. I think smashing would be good too :)
June 4, 2007 | Unregistered Commenterpeabody
What a wonderful way to distract the kids and a get a delicious meal all at the same time. I'm going to have to tell my sister about this. I think it would be a great way for my 3 year old niece to work out her "frustrations" now that she is a big sister! :)
June 4, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterChristine
I love a good berry muffin. Something I don't make enough of. This are just adorable.
June 5, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterCheryl
Ah, strawberry muffins sound delightful right about now. Wish I had one--they look so moist and delicious!
Wanna trade stress stories? Isn't it amazing how busy it gets at this time of year? And sports, and school ending and selling the house next week and finding a rental and blogging and having a garage sale, carpool, kid's school projects. I miss my kitchen:). I hear you!!!!! Hope summer is off to a brilliant and increasingly relaxing start for you!
June 5, 2007 | Unregistered Commenterjanelle
In your previous post you said your were a selfish mom, but I think you are a brilliant mom! What a fun way to start the day and strawberries are sooo good right now.
June 5, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterElle
Hi Kirsten,
Love your blog too! Thanks for visiting me on Dad-Baker and if you'd like to see more of my creations you can check out my personal website on food...

www.dharmnavaratnam.com/cakes.htm

See you around on the Foodie Roll!!
June 5, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterDharm
These look so delicious! I love the simplicity of the recipe, not too complicated but the result looks amazing.
June 6, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterMichelle
These are so gorgeous! I love a good muffin for breakfast :)
June 6, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterAhona
www.bsasnodescansa.blogspot.com Visit us!
June 6, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterNaty
Hi Kristen,
thanks for visiting my site..very nice recipes here..will keep visiting..
June 6, 2007 | Unregistered Commenterseena

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