Strawberry Cream Muffins

These would be a great asset for the ‘girls’ when they drop in for the usual visit to catch up on everything.

• 1 cup Crisco oil
• 3/4 cup 1% Greek vanilla yogurt
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp. grated lemon rind
• 2 tsp. pure vanilla flavouring
• 3 cups flour
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 4 tsp. baking powder
• pinch of salt
• 2/3 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1/2 cup strawberry jam (homemade is always best)
• coarse sugar to sprinkle over the top

Spray muffin tin really well. This calls for 18 regular size or 12 medium muffins.

Whisk together the oil, yogurt, eggs, zest and vanilla.

Sift together all the dry ingredients into a large bowl and make a well in the center.  Pour in the liquid mixture and mix just until all is moistened.  Divide equally into the muffins tins.

Sprinkle some coarse sugar over the batter.  Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until done.  Transfer to a rack after 15 minutes and let cool completely.

Remove from muffin tin and slice the top off the muffin.  Spread an equal amount of Mascarpone and a dollop of jam on each and replace the top.

Get the coffee ready or pot of tea, call the girls over and chat away. Lovely interlude in the afternoon.

Enjoy!