Rosemary-Scented Cherry Muffins

Muffins take on a new personality when herbs are introduced.  In this SimplyCooking® recipe for Rosemary-Scented Cherry Muffins, sugar is reduced, leaving the job of flavoring to dried cherries and rosemary, ingredients featured in the SimplyCooking® Pantry. Rosemary lends a strong, buttery essence complementary to the cherries and creating a savory muffin. Serve along-side meat or a dinner salad.  

rosemary-scented cherry muffins

2 cups all-purpose flour

3 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup milk

1 large sprig of fresh rosemary

1/4 cup butter

1 egg

1 cup dried cherries

Preheat oven to 400°. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar.  Make a well in the center and set aside.  Place the milk in a small saucepan.  Add the rosemary and bring to a boil.  Immediately, reduce the heat to low and simmer 5 minutes.  Remove from heat.  Remove the rosemary from the milk, add the butter and stir to melt.  Cool for 5 minutes.  Grease or line 12 muffin cups.  Whisk the egg into the cooled milk and pour into the dry ingredients.  Mix lightly with a spatula.  Fold in dried cherries.  Divide into muffin cups and bake 20 - 25 minutes.  Turn out of pan and serve hot.