Basic Muffins

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 375F.
2. 2
   Butter muffin pans.
3. 3
   Mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
4. 4
   Add the egg, milk, and butter, stirring only enough to dampen the flour; the batter should not be smooth.
5. 5
   Spoon into the muffin pans, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
6. 6
   Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes each.
7. 7
   Use 1/2 cup sugar.
8. 8
   Reserve 1/4 cup of the flour, sprinkle it over 1 cup blueberries, and stir them into the batter last.
9. 9
   Use 1/4 cup sugar.
10. 10
    Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans to the batter.
11. 11
    After filling the cups, sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon, and more chopped nuts.
12. 12
    Use 3/4 cup whole-wheat flour and 1 cup white flour.
13. 13
    Add 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates or 1/3 cup raisins to the batter.
14. 14
    Add 3 strips bacon, fried crisp and crumbled, to the batter.