Cracked Black Pepper Cheddar Muffins

The combination of black pepper and sharp cheddar cheese make these savory muffin-type dinner rolls a particularly flavourful addition to any winter meal. I made a batch to go along with Christmas dinner. The vegetarians at the table enjoyed these alongside Sour Chickpeas and Brown Rice and Millet and some vegetables. Though not a traditional Christmas meal, it was a very satisfying and warming vegetarian alternative.

Cracked Pepper Cheddar Muffins

2 cups of unbleached white flour
1 tablespoon of sugar
3 teaspoons of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper
1 egg
1 1/4 cups of milk
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 cup of grated cheddar cheese

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the egg, milk and oil. Add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the cheese.

Fill greased muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes or until a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the centre of a muffin comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes and then remove from the pan and serve warm. Makes 12 muffins.