Militia's Ultimate Guide: Wholesome Recipes for the Outdoors Explorer

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup of milk
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • For the frosting:
    • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
    • 4 cups of powdered sugar
    • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
    • 3-5 tablespoons of milk

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and grease or line a muffin tin.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the butter until it is creamy and smooth.
  4. Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter, beating well after each addition.
  5. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  7. Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
  9. While the muffins are baking, make the frosting: Beat the butter until it is creamy and smooth.
  10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to achieve a spreadable consistency.
  11. Once the muffins are completely cooled, frost them with the prepared icing.

Tools for making

  • Muffin tin - Used to bake the muffins in a structured shape.
  • Large bowl - Used to mix the dry ingredients together.
  • Separate bowl - Used to beat the butter and combine wet ingredients.
  • Electric mixer - Used to beat the butter and mix the ingredients together smoothly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - Used to accurately measure the ingredients.
  • Spatula - Used to scrape the sides of the bowl and mix the batter.
  • Toothpick - Used to check if the muffins are fully baked by inserting it into the center.
  • Cooling rack - Used to cool the muffins after baking.
  • Piping bag or knife - Used to frost the muffins with the prepared icing.

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
  • Replace the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
  • Add 1 cup of chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) to the batter for extra crunch.
  • Include 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries (such as blueberries or raspberries) for a burst of fruity flavor.
  • Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
  • Make the recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend.
  • For a citrusy variation, add 2 tablespoons of lemon or orange zest to the batter.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a warm and cozy flavor.
  • Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine for a dairy-free option.
  • Make it a savory muffin by omitting the sugar and adding ingredients like chopped vegetables, cheese, or herbs.

Recipe overview

Get ready to bake some delicious Militia muffins. These sweet treats are a perfect blend of soft, fluffy cake and creamy, rich icing. They are simple to make, using basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. With this recipe, you'll mix together a basic batter, bake the muffins, and then top them off with a homemade frosting. The result are muffins that are delightful for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. By following these detailed steps, you'll be able to make these tantalizing treats with ease.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with an equal amount of cake flour or a gluten-free flour blend if desired.
  2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, you can use salted butter, but it's recommended to reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to maintain the right balance of flavors.
  3. Can I use a different type of milk? Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer, such as whole milk, almond milk, or soy milk.
  4. Can I use a different flavor for the frosting? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors by adding extracts like lemon, almond, or even chocolate to the frosting.
  5. How should I store the finished muffins? Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
  6. Can I freeze these muffins? Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted muffins for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before adding the frosting.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Muffin tin - A baking pan with individual cup-sized molds for baking muffins.
  • Mixing bowls - Bowls of different sizes for mixing and combining ingredients.
  • Whisk - A kitchen utensil used for blending and whisking ingredients together.
  • Electric mixer - A kitchen appliance used for beating, mixing, and whipping ingredients.
  • Measuring cups - Utensils used for accurately measuring dry and liquid ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons - Utensils used for accurately measuring small amounts of ingredients.
  • Spatula - A flat, flexible tool used for scraping and smoothing batter.
  • Cooling rack - A rack used for cooling baked goods like muffins and cakes.
  • Piping bag and tips - Optional tools for frosting the muffins with decorative patterns.

Origin stories

While the exact origins of this delightful dessert known as Militia are somewhat shrouded in the mists of culinary history, it's widely believed to have been a popular sweet treat among the military ranks in the 18th and 19th centuries. Soldiers, far from their homes and the comforting tastes of familiar kitchens, found solace in the simple yet satisfying flavors of this baked good. Comprising of readily available ingredients, this dessert became a symbol of comfort and camaraderie among the soldiers. The tradition spread, and Militia evolved into a beloved comfort food for many families, passed down through generations as a cherished recipe. Today, it's not only a delicious dessert but also a sweet reminder of our historical roots. The frosting, a relatively modern addition, adds a touch of indulgent luxury to this humble, heartwarming bake.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.