I love muffins. They are like portable breakfast foods and so delicious enjoyed for breaktimes. I Love Chai Spice as well and so when I saw a recipe for Chai Spice Donut Muffins on My Baking Addiction, I knew I wanted to bake them. Dougnuts? Chai Spice? Muffins? Sounded like a winner/winner/winner to me! Also when I saw the contents of my December Degustabox I knew that the recipe would be the perfect fit for a product I wanted to showcase from the box. So more about the muffins in a little bit. Right now I want to tell you about the box.
Degustabox is a monthly foodie subscription service that sends out a range of specially selected foodie products. There's always a great mix of new products that I haven't tried before, as well as plenty of treats from more established brands. Each Degustabox costs £12.99, delivery costs are included in the price, and there is no fixed contract involved - you can cancel at any time. I love getting these boxes. Its a little bit like Christmas for me when the box arrives every month. Here is a little bit about the December box I received.
BAHLSEN Akora 2 X £1.99
Bahlsen Akora aare traditional German heart-shaped lebkuchen. They are filled with a deliciously spiced jam filling which fuses with the gingerbread base, enrobed in their delicious signature chocolate. From the minute the bag is opened you smell the essence of Christmas. And the taste is wow. I had never had lebkuchen before. I am now a big fan!
Crediton Confectionry OH FUDGE 1 X £4.99
Bristow's "Oh Fudge!" branded gift boxes are the perfect compliment to any occasion especially the "Oh Fudge, I nearly forgot!" occasion. I got the Apple & Cinnamon fudge and they are nice and moist and very delicious with a lovely apple and cinnamon flavour! Almost like a candy apple covered in fudge.
RISO GALLO
Authentic Italia Four Cheese Rissoto 1 X £2.29An authentic and genuine Italian Four Cheese Risotto with the characteristic creamy, delicious and al'dente texture of risotto and a tangy cheese flavor. Ready in just 2 minutes in a pan or 3 minutes in the microwave
Risotto Box 3 Cheese and Vegetables 1 XRiso Gallo 3 Cheese & Vegetable Risotto Box is a practical and innovative way to enjoy an authentic, creamy "al dente" Italian Risotto in just 1 min 30 secs.It is quick and easy to prepare, in the microwave, without adding water. No artificial colourings, no hydrogenated fat, no MSGs.
MAGGI 3 Minute Noodles 1 X £0.75
Totally tasty Maggi Noodles in only 3 minutes. I received the chicken flavor and I really enjoyed them.
HOOTS Snacks 2 X £0.69
Very good Multigrain snacks, a delicious alernative to crisps. Hoots sacks are baked not fried, a great source of fiber with no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. All flavours are suitable for vegans and vegetarians as well. Five flavours are available. I received the Salt and Vinegar and the Salt and Pepper. We enjoyed both.
BITE + Multigrain Flakes 1 X £.0.69
Bite+ is a new concept in snacking, comprising multigrain cereal flakes seasoned with savoury flavours in a generous 2 portion pack. Perfect for the lunchbox or on the go, these tasty and nutritious snakcs are high in fibre, low at (less than 3%) and low in saturated fats, with no compromise in flavor. They come in four flavours. I received one in the Falafel flavor.
WHAT A MELON Watermelon Water 1 X £2.00
This new watermelon water hydrates like coconut water, with extra anti-oxidants and the muscle loving amino acid citruline. Served cold this was delicious. Almost my favorite thing in the box.
NUTRI-BREX 1 X £3.79
Each bite of Nutri-Brex gluten free Coconut and Crispy Rice is packed with the tasty anciet grai Sorghum. Naturally gluten free, fortified with vitamins and high in fire. A tasty hint of coconut and cinnamon makes this a delicious bowl of breakfast.
NEWTON'S APPLE FISSICS 1 X £1.29
A curiously refreshin blend of apple juice and sparkling water. All natural with no added sugar or sweeteners, and about 40% less sugar than apple juice on its own. An ideal alternative to sugary soft drinks. Chill and enjoy.
EISBERG 1 X £1,39
Eisberg is the UK's number one alcohol free wine brand. Fresh and aromatic, Eisberg Sauvignon Blanc is brimming with gooseberry flavours and fruit, made in exactly the same way as your favorite wine but with the alcohol gently removed at the end. Only 28Kcal per 125ml serving.
a2 MILK 1 X £1.39
Not all cows milk is the same. a" Milk is different. It is easy to digest because unlike regular milk it is naturally free from the A1 protein which can trigger symptoms often associated with lactose intolerance. Note - If you have been medically diagnosed with any milk intolerace, seek advice from your doctor before use. Long life semi skimmed cows milk, this can be kept in the cupboard prior to opening, and this was the product I chose to highlight with recipe.
I was going to do a sauce with it but then this muffin recipe jumped out a me and this is what you are going to get!
These muffins are fabulous. Moist and delicious with a lovely combination of warm spice flavours . . . cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, allspice and black pepper along with a hint of vanilla . . .
Glazed twice in a delicious chai spiced glaze so you get a double whammy of Chai flavour!
They went down a real treat with the Missionaries and Todd enjoyed one or two with his hot drinks. They were declared winners!
*Chai Spiced Glazed Doughnut Muffins*Makes one dozenPrintable Recipe
Sweet and spicy. Lovely and moist with a delicate chai flavor. Teatime treats!
For the Muffins:60g butter, softened (1/4 cup)60ml vegetable oil (1/4 cup)95g granulated sugar (1/2 cup)70g soft light brown sugar (1/3 cup)2 large free range eggs1 1/2 tsp baking powder1/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)2 tsp ground cinnamon1 tsp ground ginger1 tsp ground cardamom1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp finely ground black pepper3/4 tsp salt1 tsp vanilla extract300g plain flour (2 2/3 cups)225ml milk (1 cup)For the glaze:3 TBS butter, melted
130g sifted icing sugar (1 cup)1/4 tsp cinnamon1/8 tsp ground ginger1/8 tsp ground cardamom1/8 tsp ground allspice3/4 tsp vanilla1 TBS milk
Preheat the oven to 225*C/425*F/gas mark 7. Butter a 12 cup medium muffin tin or line with paper liners.
Cream together the butter, oil and both sugars until well mixed. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Sift together the baking powder, soda, cinnamon, ginger, cardamo, allspice, black pepper, and salt. Add to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Fill the muffin cups, filling them 2/3 full.
Bake for 17 to 18 minutes until well risen and golden brown. A toothpick inserted in th center should come out clean. Leave to cool for at least five minutes before glazing.
To make the glaze whisk all ingredients together until smooth. Dip the tops of the warm muffins in this mixture twice to coat.
Many thanks to Degustabox UK for sending me this box. I have to say I really look forward to getting my box each month. There are always lots of things in it to enjoy and new products to try out. I highly recommend. You can also tailor the boxes to your own likes and dislikes by filling in your own Taste Profile. If you like the sound of the Degustabox December 2016 box? You can obtain yours now here .
Do check out the Degustabox web page for more information and details.
Follow them on Facebook
Follow them on Twitter Happy Christmas and Bon Appetit!
