Semi-Homemade....

Sometimes, I like to pretend I'm Sandra Lee and make a few things that are "semi-homemade".  While I love baking from scratch, sometimes our schedule doesn't allow the time to do that.  So, when I want some freshly baked goodies, I use the semi-homemade method, which means I take a packaged product and embellish it so that it has a "homemade" taste.


It's been cold the last few mornings, finally, and I wanted to bake some muffins to go with our hot chocolate and coffee,  before we scooted out the door to work.

I took a package of Apple Cider Muffin mix and prepared according to the directions.


To offset some of the tanginess of these muffins (I've made them before), I added some cinnamon chips and cinnamon sugar.  After blending these last two items, I poured the mix into my muffin pan and sprinkled a little cinnamon sugar on top of each muffin.

Before placing in the oven, I filled the empty cups of the muffin tin with water.  I learned this trick years ago from Martha Stewart.  It helps keep the muffins moist.

They will be golden brown when they are done.


Look at those cinnamon chips melted inside.


YUM!


Fresh, hot, semi-homemade muffins right from the oven....on a chilly winter morning!


22 comments

  1. I can smell them through he computer! I have never used cinnamon chips!

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    1. :-) Those cinnamon chips are absolutely fabulous! Much better than the chocolate ones...and that's saying a lot!

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  2. I've never even seen cinnamon chips!! Of course our little market up here on the mountain top is pretty lame....I'll have to keep an eye out when I'm off the mountain next time! These look mighty tasty, lady! xo

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    1. Thank you so much! You have to look for them closely at Wally World…they tend to get buried in the chocolate. Those little chips are absolutely scrumptious! Hugs!!

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  3. Yum and what a brilliant idea to use the cinnamon chips. Happy Day!
    Kris

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    1. Thank you ma'am! They add the extra cinnamon taste that is so good in these muffins! Hope you are having a fabulous day!! Hugs!

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  4. Hi Benita,
    I do this semi homemade trick too sometimes...there are so many great packaged mixes out there now...and you only have to add a few things to give them your own personal touch. I have never seen cinnamon chips either, I bet they are delicious! And with Hot chocolate...mmm...I bet they would be good with egg nog too! ;)
    Big Hugs!!

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    1. The packaged mixes are much less expensive than trying to make something from scratch! And they taste wonderful with the extra touches. The cinnamon chips are so good and YES, they would be awesome melted into hot chocolate and eggnog….sheesh...the calorie count is climbing! Big hugs to you sweet friend!!

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  5. Oh my gosh, what a yummy combo...apple cider and cinnamon! In the Reinwald kitchen, what you have done here is definitely a culinary art, haha. Great idea for a boxes muffin add-in!

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    1. They are so good Julie...the hubster thought they were awesome...LOL. It's easy to make these look and taste like "from scratch" without the hassle or expense! :-) Thank you so much! Hugs sweet friend!

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  6. Those look so good, Benita!

    Are you ready for Christmas or are you still frazzled? I'm a little bit of both lol I can't believe you had never tried eggnog! I love it, but don't buy it. Too fattening for me. But I'll drink some at my mom's house ;)

    I hope you and the Hubster have a very Merry Christmas, my sweet friend.

    Love you much,
    rue

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    1. Thank you ma’am! Life has definitely settled down and I’m in coasting mode, which is awesome! :-) I hope you get to the coasting place soon!

      I know, last of a dying breed I guess…I don’t know why I have left this wonderful stuff untouched and OMGOSH, my waistline is growing thicker with each glass! The hubster and I both devour it…so I’m glad it will be gone when the holidays are over and I won’t make any until summer…or fall….lol

      I hope you and your family have a most blessed Merry Christmas and enjoy the time together!

      Love you much too sweet friend! Hugs!!

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  7. Looks like a good mixture. I should really try this trick because I just don't get around to homemade too often these days.

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    1. I love being able to "doctor" mixes like this...it is so much easier and less time consuming! :-)

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  8. Well Benita these look absolutely yummy to me. I too love Martha's tips. John and I love Apple Cider muffins. We've been sticking to coffee because it's crazy season in Philadlephia, when it's cold and the holidays I crave hot chocolate ... But it's warm and no chance of a white Christmas so until it's cold coffee for us.
    Your photos are stunning.
    Christmas joy and happiness wishes,
    xoxo,
    Vera

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    1. Thank you so much Vera! We love these muffins, but of course, we love anything with apples and cinnamon in the recipe, because you just can’t go wrong with that combination! :-) The weather has been crazy down here also…and I was so hoping for some cold weather for the holiday! I wish you and your family a very blessed Merry Christmas! Hugs!!

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  9. I can smell the cinnamon and sugar now! I have actually not tried this trick in baking. I think it would make life a little easier at times!

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    1. They are so wonderful! And this little trick works wonders with muffins...keeps them so moist!

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  10. These look and sound great !! I have my semi- homemade blueberry muffins. I use real blueberries instead of that tiny can , a tiny bit more flour and sprinkle the top with raw sugar , just like the coffee shop !!! I don't think after 17 yrs , my son know's they originate from a box and we won't tell him !!! Lol Big hug's & love ,TT

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    1. It’s those little things like this that do the trick! I will try that with the blueberry muffins….because those are wonderful also! Nope, kids don’t know anything unless we tell them! ;-) Love and hugs to you sweet friend!!

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  11. I have never heard of cinnamon chips...oh boy, I see a new addiction in my future!!! :)

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    1. They are so good and you will love them! Especially in recipes that call for some cinnamon..these work wonders!!

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