Spinach-Gouda Muffins with Smoky Bacon

Name: Spinach-Gouda Muffins with Smoky Bacon
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 1 Basic Muffin recipe; 2 cups tightly packed baby spinach; ¾ cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese; 6 slices chopped crisp-cooked bacon; 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives; ¼ cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese

Rethink muffins as party appetizers by including smoky bacon, Gouda cheese and healthy greens. Sip bubbly soda water to cleanse the palate before a main dish.

Makes 12 muffins

Ingredients

1 Basic Muffin recipe
2 cups tightly packed baby spinach
¾ cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese
6 slices chopped crisp-cooked bacon
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives
¼ cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese

Directions

Bring about 4 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan; remove from heat. Stir in 2 cups tightly packed baby spinach just until wilted; drain and squeeze dry. Coarsely chop spinach and cool.
Prepare batter for Basic Muffins as directed, except omit the vanilla extract.
Fold chopped spinach, ¾ cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese, 6 slices chopped crisp-cooked bacon and 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives into batter.
Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups; top with an additional ¼ cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese. Bake as directed.

Associated Recipes

Basic Muffins

As a quick bread, muffins rise with the help of baking powder and eggs instead of yeast, and they require no kneading, rolling or cutting. This perfectly baked muffin has a rounded top, lightly browned edges and a moist, even interior.