I feel like the only thing I am baking at the moment are muffins, both sweet and savoury. I tend to fall back on old favourites when I am in a hurry to make something for The Princess's lunchbox, so when she recently suggested I cook something other than my banana and cocoa nib muffins, I whipped up these Spicy Spelt Gingerbread Muffins instead.
Baking for children is really just an exercise in self-punishment. Create something you think is quite tasty, with flavours you know they like, and be prepared for nothing more than a shrug and a "They're OK" for all your hard work. Truth be told, I did receive some constructive feedback about these particular muffins: "They could use a bit more spice". Children!
Muffins are great for lunchboxes. They are fully portable, easy to defrost, and easy to hide fruits and vegetables in if you have a fussy eater. The Princess just grabs one out of the freezer each morning for school. She likes to zap them in the microwave first to start the defrosting process before adding it to her lunch. I don't think this is a necessary step, but as I am not the one packing the lunchbox I keep quiet.
Left alone, muffins defrost quite quickly and should be ready to eat by recess or lunch. The exception is very cold days, when you might like to employ The Princess's microwave trick to ensure they are edible when the lunchbox is opened.
The Princess feels these muffins are light on spice. Personally I think they have just the right balance, however don't be afraid to add more spice if this is your preference. If you really want a strident ginger flavour, add a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to the wet mix.
Despite her criticisms, The Princess (with a little help from Mr Grumpy) worked her way through these muffins in lightning fashion. Maybe they weren't that bad after all.
Spicy Spelt Gingerbread Muffins
P.S. Looking for more muffin recipes? Try my Banana & Cocoa Nib Spelt Muffins or Savoury Feta & Olive Muffins.