Folks we have a winner.
I’ve discovered my favorite muffin, Dorie Greenspan’s Citrus Currant Sunshine Muffin.
And to think I wasn’t going to make them!
The currants scared me off initially. Years ago a friend and I went to get ice cream. I distinctly remember him wanting currant sorbet. I just didn’t think currant sounded appealing. {Or sorbet for that matter.} Since I enjoy nibbling off other people’s desserts, I wanted him to pick out a different flavor – preferably something with chocolate or peanut butter – that I wouldn’t mind sampling as well.
Currants just aren’t extremely popular in the States. Am I right? I don’t run into many recipes calling for currants, and when I do, I usually avoid them. I want the more popular option.
I was wrong. Currants are tiny, about half the size of a raisin, and I think better. They don’t have that chewy, grainy taste that sometimes come with raisins. Plus they are pretty. I think they add a little pizazz to these muffins, making them sort of look like an old-fashioned treat.
Combined with the orange juice and orange zest – which makes the batter smell like an Orange Julius – well, we have a mighty fine muffin. The best I’ve tasted so far.
Run along and get some currants if you don’t already have them!
RECIPE: Citrus Currant Sunshine Muffins, from Dorie Greenspan’s Baking: From My Home To Yours page 7 or on Tuesday with Dorie blogger Bella Baker.
Your photos are great – so happy these are a new favorite for you!
ive always wanted to make muffins in those little cups – yours look great!
They are Wilton’s white “nut & party cups” {whatever that means}. I just baked them on a cookie sheet. I like them better than regular muffin liners as well!
Love your cupcake cups–cute! I have never liked raisins but I just might like currants, I need to try them. But I do love dates, they have such a fun texture!
I’m not a huge fan of raisins either. I like dried cherries though – LOVE them – but usually prefer chocolate to dried fruit in recipes:)
These have to be one of my favs. now too! I like how you made them in those little muffin cups, they look great!
I love those little cups. I’ve always thought currants were the same as raisens. Guess I was wrong. Anyway, your muffins look great.
Hi Peggy! Yes, I thought so too. {I was just saying that I liked them better than “traditional” raisins: smaller, less chewy/grainy.} However, when I did a little Internet research I was coming up with loads of different things. Some say they are a grape, others a berry. I think the different currants {red, black, Zante} are different things. I believe I used Zante currants which are seedless black grapes. Kind of confusing!
I don’t think that currants are popular here. My husband is British and currants are much more common there. I liked these a lot and they were a big hit with my coworkers!
These look delicious! They were very much enjoyed at my house. No currants, though.
wow, your new fave muffin recipe! That’s awesome! Thank you for baking with me this week!
Wonderful! I have some of those cups and never think to bake in them. They look terrific. I agree -currants are so much nicer than raisins, IMO – small and a unique flavor. Well done!
currant sorbet does sound icky. but currants in baked goods is another story. glad you tried and loved them!
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