Chocolate Covered Cherry Muffins
My doctor told me to eat dark chocolate. Daily. Like a prescription. Gotta love that in a doctor! I guess that makes these chocolate covered cherry muffins just what the doctor ordered!
These muffins were inspired by the 20 lb. case of cherries I got recently. Along with some new chocolate chips I just found with a healthier 60% cacao. Doesn’t that seem like fate?
The brandy came later when I decided my first attempt needed a flavor boost and thought of the boozy chocolate covered cherries in chocolate boxes. Mmmm! If you need to avoid alcohol, don’t worry–you can always use milk instead. (Or for a real kick, swap out the remaining milk for brandy—yes, I do like my boozy fruit!)
Did you know that cherries are a now included in many superfood lists? According to Health.com, their rich red color comes from “anthocyanin, which can reduce inflammation and lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels. In a recent study, University of Michigan researchers found that giving cherries to lab rats reduced two common markers of blood vessel inflammation by up to 50%.” Just in case their great flavor isn’t enough!
I can’t believe it’s August already. My fall raspberries are popping out an occasional fruit and one of my daughters goes back to school in a week. Summer is passing too fast!
All the more reason to indulge in summer’s goodness–like chocolate covered cherry muffins!
- • 1 egg
- • ¼ cup skim milk
- • ¼ cup brandy (see note)
- • 1 teaspoon vanilla
- • 1/4 cup butter, melted
- • 3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- • 3/4 cup unbleached all purpose flour
- • 1/3 cup sugar
- • 2 teaspoon baking powder
- • 1 cup chopped cherries
- • ½ cup chocolate chips
- Beat egg with a fork, then combine with milk, brandy and vanilla
- Add melted butter to egg/milk mixture, stirring (to avoid cooking the egg)
- Mix the flours, sugar and baking powder together.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in the cherries and chocolate chips
- Bake at 400 degrees until inserted toothpick comes out clean, about 25 minutes.
- You can use milk instead of the brandy if you prefer.
- Cherries in Red Wine
- Grilled Vegetable, Bread & Tomato Salad (Panzanella)
cherries are one thing that i REALLY like paired with chocolate, and i think your muffins are grand!
Cherry and chocolate, what a great combination for muffins!
Thanks for the recipe Inger…have a wonderful week 🙂
Thanks Juliana. Enjoy the coming weekend!
I bet the brandy makes these so special!
You know the brandy doesn’t scream “booze” but mostly just tastes more flavorful–I was surprised. Next batch I’m going to do all brandy (no milk) and see if it “talks louder”.
I love cherry muffins – and I think the addition of chocolate would make them truly superb!
I tried nuts first and they really seemed to be missing pizazz. I was happy I hadn’t munched down all the chocolate chips I was “testing”
Printed the recipe. I hope to try these. Sound so good.
Hope you enjoy Freeda!
Nice doctor Inger 🙂
These looks amazing !!
xo
Thanks Gloria!
These sound fabulous! Can’t wait to make them.
I hope you enjoy them Janet!