Lemon and Whiskey Muffins with Raisins

This delightful Lemon and Whiskey Muffins with Raisins recipe is a unique twist on traditional muffins, offering a burst of citrus flavor combined with the warmth of whiskey. The delicate balance of sweet and tangy lemon zest, the richness of butter, and a hint of whiskey make these muffins irresistibly flavorful. Perfect for a quick breakfast treat or an afternoon snack, these muffins are both moist and tender, filled with the added chewiness of raisins. The preparation process is straightforward, involving basic baking techniques such as separating eggs, creaming butter and sugar, and folding in dry ingredients. Baking time is relatively short, making this a convenient option for anyone looking to whip up a batch in no time. The aroma wafting through your kitchen from the lemon zest and whiskey infusion is sure to be inviting. These muffins are versatile enough to be dressed up with a simple glaze or enjoyed as is. Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice, this recipe is a wonderful way to experiment with enticing flavors. So, gather your ingredients and let's dive into creating these scrumptious muffins that are sure to impress.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 225 g all-purpose flour
• 1 large lemon
• 125 ml whiskey
• 5 eggs
• 190 g butter (82%)
• 225 g sugar
• 80 g raisins
• Butter for greasing the pan
• Breadcrumbs for the pan

Spices and Additional:

• 1 pinch of salt

Preparation Time

Total: 175 min (includes soaking time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Lemon and Whiskey Mixture: Wash the lemon thoroughly, pat it dry, and peel the zest very thinly. Place the zest in a bowl, pour over the whiskey, and let it soak for at least 2 hours. Once soaked, remove the zest from the whiskey.

2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 175°C. Grease a muffin tin with butter and dust with breadcrumbs to ensure the muffins don’t stick.

3. Separate the Eggs: Carefully separate the egg whites from the yolks. Whip the egg whites into stiff peaks and set them aside in a cool place.

4. Melt the Butter: In a shallow pan, melt the butter over low heat. Allow it to cool slightly but not solidify.

5. Combine Egg Yolks and Sugar: Beat the egg yolks, sugar, and a pinch of salt together until you achieve a creamy texture.

6. Mix the Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour into the creamy egg yolk mixture, followed by the melted butter, and then the infused whiskey and raisins. Ensure the mixture is smooth and even.

7. Fold in Egg Whites: Carefully fold in the whipped egg whites using a spatula to maintain the airiness of the batter.

8. Fill the Muffin Tin: Pour the batter into each indentation of the prepared muffin tin, filling them about three-quarters full.

9. Bake the Muffins: Place the tin in the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

10. Cool the Muffins: Once baked, remove the muffins from the tray and allow them to cool on a wire rack.

11. Optional Decoration: Feel free to decorate the muffins with a glaze or powdered sugar for extra flair. Enjoy your freshly baked muffins!

Tips

• Substitutions: You can use rum instead of whiskey for a different flavor profile.
• Soaking Time: Ensure the lemon zest soaks for the full duration to maximize the infusion of flavor.
• Adding Glaze: A simple lemon glaze made from lemon juice and powdered sugar can enhance the citrus flavor.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 250 per muffin
• Protein: 5g
• Fats: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 30g

Variations

• For a non-alcoholic version, substitute whiskey with orange juice.
• You can add chopped nuts for additional texture.
• Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free alternative.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with: A hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk.
• Garnish: A dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent touch.

Best Places

1. Le Pain Quotidien - Known for its warm, inviting atmosphere and freshly baked goods. Location: 18 Rue de Basfroi, Paris, France.
2. Balthazar Bakery - Offers a range of sweet and savory pastries. Location: 80 Spring St, New York, USA.
3. Little Collins Street Kitchen - A chic spot for coffee and pastries. Location: 195 Little Collins St, Melbourne, Australia.
4. Café Central - Renowned for its classic pastries. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
5. Tartine Bakery - A beloved spot for its artisan breads and pastries. Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, USA.
6. The English Tea Room - Famous for its afternoon tea and scones. Location: 1 King’s Stables Road, Edinburgh, Scotland.
7. Pastéis de Belém - Famous for their custard tarts. Location: R. de Belém 84-92, Lisbon, Portugal.
8. Cafe de la Paix - Known for chic ambiance and gourmet treats. Location: 5 Place de l'Opéra, Paris, France.
9. Kaffeine - A trendy cafe with excellent coffee and pastries. Location: 44 Great Titchfield St, London, England.
10. Muji Bakery - Minimalist bakery offering unique, subtle flavors. Location: 4-1-1 Umeda, Osaka, Japan.

Enjoy discovering these delightful spots while savoring your homemade muffins!