ALMOND BERRY MUFFINS

Almond Berry Muffins image

I made these moist muffins to take to the office, and they were a hit. Sugared almonds give them a crunchy topping. When strawberries aren't in season, I use individual frozen cut strawberries directly from the freezer.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 40m

Yield 1-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1-1/4 cups sliced almonds, divided
1 egg white, lightly beaten
1-1/2 cups sugar, divided
1/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup buttermilk
1-1/4 cups fresh strawberries, chopped

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup almonds and egg white. Add 1/2 cup sugar; toss to coat. Spoon into a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 9-11 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally., In a large bowl, cream the shortening, butter and remaining sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in extracts. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda; add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk just until moistened. Fold in strawberries and remaining almonds., Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Sprinkle with sugared almonds. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 217 calories, Fat 9g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 31mg cholesterol, Sodium 152mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (18g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.