CONFETTI CORNMEAL MUFFINS

Confetti Cornmeal Muffins image

Pretty flecks of green and red pepper give these moist muffins a colorful look that friends will be drawn to. But after one bite of what a tester described as "the best corn muffins I've ever had," they'll be hooked on the flavor. -Priscilla Gilbert, Indian Harbour Beach, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 40m

Yield 1 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

3/4 cup chopped green pepper
3/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup butter, divided
1-1/2 cups cornmeal
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup 2% milk
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
CILANTRO BUTTER:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
1/4 teaspoon grated lime zest

Steps:

In a large skillet, saute peppers and onion in 2 tablespoons butter for 3-4 minutes or until tender. In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, cornstarch, baking powder and salt. Melt the remaining butter. Whisk in the eggs and milk until combined. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in pepper mixture and cheese., Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake at 400° for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine spread ingredients. Cool muffins for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Serve warm with butter.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 339 calories, Fat 20g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 85mg cholesterol, Sodium 330mg sodium, Carbohydrate 34g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.