Muffins were probably the first things I learnt to bake. As a child, I only knew two flavours. Vanilla and Chocolate. We had an old fashioned portable round oven which would sit on the floor during baking times and otherwise tucked away in one corner of the house. Baking was not very popular in Indian homes and my mother was probably one of the few bakers I knew existed at that point in time. Before I was allowed to take complete control of the oven, my job was to butter the muffin tins which were of all possible shapes and sizes. And to ward off my then toddler sister and crawling brother from attacking the oven. I enjoyed the first but loved the second one! Because it meant sitting close to the oven.
Its funny when I think about how I would sit right next to the equipment and peek into its glass face to see the muffins rise before my eyes. Sometimes I would see my mother adding dried orange peel or nuts. Pistachios and cashew nuts were a favourite in my house and they would make an appearance in all sweet treats, Indian or otherwise.
I took out coloured liners to bake these muffins but on an impulse decided to bake them in different sized tart pans. Just like I did when I was a little girl. We didn’t even know then that muffin liners existed. I am very nostalgic lately. And with good reason. I will be meeting my family after a year…in fact going back home after 2 years. I am more excited for my boys and of course their grand parents who find joy in nothing more than holding them close.
Coming back to the muffins, they are simple, moist and soft on account of the buttermilk and quite chocolatey too. No creaming of the butter so I love it all the more. The original recipe called for chocolate chips but I have replaced them completely with chopped pistachios. Hence they have a nice nutty crunch to them. It goes without saying that you can use any of your favourite nuts, chocolate chips, sultanas etc. These are perfect for the lunchbox or a tea time snack.
And even better accompanied by stories that you share with your children about what you baked or ate as a child…
Chocolate Pistachio Muffins (adapted from Joy of Baking)
1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 large eggs
1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 3/4 Cups (230 g) all-purpose flour
2/3 Cup (60 g) Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
11/4 Cups (265 g) Light Brown Sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped pistachios
extra pistachios for garnish
Preheat oven to 190 degrees C. Butter or line muffin cups with paper liners (I used tart pans).
In a large measuring cup or bowl whisk together the melted butter, eggs, buttermilk and Vanilla extract.
In another large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir in the chopped nuts. With a rubber spatula fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir only until the ingredients are combined. Do not over mix the batter or tough muffins will result.
Evenly fill the muffin cups with the batter using two spoons or an ice cream scoop. Sprinkle with the extra chopped pistachios. Place in the oven and bake until a toothpick inserted in the centre of a muffin comes out clean, about 15-20 mins. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for about 5 mins before removing from pan.
Note: Baking times will vary according to the size of the muffin cups. If you are using two different sizes like me, you will need to check the smaller ones after 10 mins as they will bake in lesser time.
Sonali: Just like you, my children love to sit close to the oven glass and watch baking goods rise. As I child, I used to lick either the bowl or spoon where the batter was mixed. 🙂 Your chocolate muffins with pistachios look divine! I’d be glad to have several of them with a glass of milk.
Thank you Denise. Ah yes..I still lick the bowl and love it!
Sonali, we used to have the same old round Toshiba oven. When it came to our house(my parent’s) in late 80’s we started off with sponge cake and muffins.Then my father made aluminum mesh shelf which sits like a stool in the oven to make cookies. It was really fun to see the rising and browning of the baked goods through the glass.
Your chocolate muffins look delicious and reminded me of old days. Pistachios sound a nice combination with chocolate.
Good old days…nothing beats childhood memories. Thank you Balvinder!
Lovely muffins!! My mother wasn’t a baker despite us living in England and having an oven! I learnt to bake myself and love it! My mothers expertise lay in cooking and Indian sweets which rarely require an oven!
Love your dark photos. Have a lovely time with your parents and being back home.
Nazneen xx
Thank you Nazneen. There is sometime to go before I travel but the excitement is too much to control. The dark photos were a result of some experimenting I was trying to do with the camera. Wasn’t too happy but it was a learning.
Your muffins look like heaven my friend, honestly close to perfect… no just perfect 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
P.S I will not be commenting for 4 weeks due to exams – see you afterwards 🙂
Thank you Uru! Will miss you..come back soon:-)
Chocolate and pistachio is such a winning combination. I make dark chocolate ‘bark’ with toasted pistachio nuts in it. Perfectly bittersweet with savoury notes. So pretty with the green also! Love your beautiful sojourn into the world of nostalgia. Food has such a knack of doing that to you. For me, it’s lemon cake. My mother always made it for me as a child and I loved it! xx
Oh! I love a lemon cake anytime. True Laura, food can evoke beautiful memories. Thank you!
Oh yes, I remember the oven which was like an expensive utensils those days. Just like you, I used to be in-charge of seeing that what’s being baked does not get burned.
These chocolate coated muffins are great beauties and pistachio, nutty and crunchy burst.
Thank you Nava. Probably our early involvement in the kitchen is the reason why we have grown to love food so much.
Ohh those round ovens!! None uses them anymore! I have seen them coming out during Christmas time!
Love the Chocolate Pistachio Muffins – looks slightly creamy and crunchy(somehow I get the feel from the clicks).
As always perfect shots with great color coordination!
Happy vacationing at your parents house, 2 years…hmm now that is longer!!
Thank you Pavithra! Yes, I wonder what happened to ours. I have to find out whether it is still there hiding somewhere or disposed. It was the best option one could have during those days. The vacationing will start a little later but am very excited.
I’ve never seen a portable oven! And is it bad that I still stare into my oven when special things are baking to watch the magic happen?!
I think it is a sin not to look when special things are baking Jas. The anticipation is what makes it so special:-)
Love this food combo! What a great idea to make them into muffins.
I hope you have the best visit with your family. 🙂
Sad that no more round ovens!!!
OMG.. They look super pretty and delicious.. Thanks for sharing Sonali!
Love the flavor combination.