MUCH ADO ABOUT MUFFINS VIII: LASHINGS AND LASHINGS OF GINGER BEER.

Okay, so it's more like lashings and lashings of rain, but despite my genetically entitled right as an Irish-woman to complain about the weather, I refuse to do so. Muffins are agile travellers and therefore perfect for picnics and I'm going on one today even if I spend it in the car with the windows fogged up for all the wrong reasons.

When I saw these old-fashioned bottles of Fentimann's Ginger Beer it sent me rushing back to reading (and endlessly re-reading) the Famous Five books. They may be thoroughly old-fashioned now (this does not stop millions of them still selling every year) and in these politically correct days Anne may be mocked for enjoying her housewifely role among the intrepid adventurers, rather than moulding herself into a career-woman of the future. Now, in the 21st century she would get to enjoy both roles... at the same time. Lucky girl.

Despite the over €2 price tag for one 275ml bottle, I couldn't resist and knew that it would somehow morph into muffin form. I replaced some of the milk in this pear and ginger muffin recipe with the ginger beer, the bubbles lending an airiness and tenderness to make a lovely, fluffy muffin. Extracts of juniper, speedwell and yarrow in the beer can only add to the mildly spiced flavour and the pears are sweet and juicy. A change of texture, with a bit of crunchy walnut crumble on top and it can be counted a successful adaptation. All I need now are the potted shrimp and pork pies.

Hang on, the sun is breaking through the clouds, I'm off before it realises it took a wrong turn at Turkey and disappears again.

Have a great weekend and tune in on Monday for the next instalment of the Daring Bakers saga.

Adapted from Muffins Fast and Fantastic by Susan Reimar.

PEAR & GINGER-BEER MUFFINS

• 280g plain flour
• 2 tsps baking powder
• 1/2 tsp bicarb of soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground ginger (1 1/2 tsp if not using ginger beer)
• 120g caster sugar
• 1 egg
• 100ml ginger beer
• 80ml milk
• 170g pear, well-chopped (either tinned or fresh)
• 3 tbls honey
• 90ml vegetable oil or 85g butter, melted

For walnut crumble topping:

• 60g flour
• 90g brown sugar
• 40g walnuts, coarsely chopped
• 30g butter, melted

1. Line the muffin tins with paper cases or squares of greasproof paper. Preheat the oven to 200 C.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, bicarb of soda, salt, ginger and sugar. In a seperate bowl or large jug, beat the egg with a fork. Add ginger beer, milk, chopped pear, honey and oil/melted butter. Stir well.
3. Pour liquid ingredients into dry and stir until just combined, batter should be lumpy but with no dry pockets of flour.
4. Fill muffin cases with batter. Mix crumble flour, sugar and nuts together and add enough melted butter to make a damp, but not wet, crumble. Sprinkle this over the top of the muffin batter. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and springy when pressed lightly on top.

Makes 12 standard muffins.

Comments

[Tanna]

Laura that topping looks divine! The ginger beer sounds inspired.

[Deborah]

These look so good! I will have to see if I can find some ginger beer.

[Sarah Bell]

They sound delicious, will have to try those!

[Susan from Food Blogga]

I don't believe I've ever seen ginger beer. This recipe is reason enough to go searching for it though.

[Tartelette]

Brilliant! Just that...:)

[Callipygia]

How ingenious, both in it and with it!

[rachel]

Great idea!

[Ari (Baking and Books)]

I love, love, love this photo! Every aspect of it is perfect, made me want to jump inside an experience the ambiance (not to mention the food.)

[peabody]

I love the idea of the ginger beer. I bet it taste wonderful.

[Pille]

Oh, I miss Fentiman's drinks - both their ginger beer and their old-fashioned lemonade! I used to drink them frequently in Scotland, but sadly they're not available here in Estonia :(

[Lydia]

Ginger beer muffins with pear -- these sound wonderful! Will have to try this recipe.

[sandi @ the whistlestop cafe]

So, is ginger beer like a ginger ale?, or like a beer?
I will have to find some! World Market here I go.

[Laura]

I made these yesterday and am very pleased with the result, subtle flavour and lovely and fluffy. Will definitely make again. Also, loved the ginger beer.