Muffin Alert: How to Make the Perfect Muffin
Like so many baked goods, what makes a perfect muffin is likely to depend on the eater’s personal preferences. I identify a good muffin by its crispy top, moist interior, and plenty of inclusions. (I once attempted to exchange a muffin at a bakery because I could only spot a single, lone blueberry.) There are a few rules to keep in mind—most importantly, not overmixing the batter. The more you mix, the more the batter will develop gluten—those dangerous protein strands which are desirable for bread baking but can make a muffin unnecessarily tough. Mix just until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and homogenous, then move on.
Tea: Black, Green, White and Red… What’s the Difference?
Few people know that four of the most popular types of tea all come from the same plant: Camellia Sinensis. Tea is a little bit like wine in this way.
What Makes a Good Coffee Blend?
Blending coffee is a fine art that marries coffee beans from different origins to enhance the best qualities of each. Roasters choose coffees that complement each other with a delicate, matching, say, a coffee with high citrus acidity and light body to one with smooth chocolate notes and full, velvety mouth feel.