Muffin Mix Gifts

I love giving homemade food gifts. So when I recently saw muffin mixes being sold in cloth pouches sewn to look like the fruit in the muffins, I was smitten. It would be really easy to sew together two pieces of banana-shaped yellow cloth and tie it all up with a brown ribbon, and put a banana bread mix inside, yes? Yes!

Here are some ideas and recipes for muffins/quickbreads I especially love, but you can check out the whole line at The Old Muffin Factory's website.

Banana Nut Muffins: In a zip-top bag, combine 1.5 cups all-purpose flour, 1.5 teaspoons baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 3/4 cup white sugar, 1/4 cup chopped walnuts. Sew this bag into the cloth banana.  Add a gift tag that reads "Preheat oven to 350° F. Empty contents of bag into a large bowl. Add 2 egg whites, 1 cup mashed bananas, 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest.  Stir until just combined. Fill greased muffin pan cups 2/3 full. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until tops are lightly browned. Remove muffins from pan and enjoy!"

Carrot Cake Muffins: In a zip-top bag, combine 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or use half white and whole wheat), 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1/8 cup dry milk, and 1/2 cup raisins. Sew this bag into the cloth carrot with green pipe cleaners for stem and leaves.  Add a gift tag that reads "Preheat oven to 350° F. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 slightly beaten egg, 3 tablespoons oil, 2 teaspoons vanilla and 1/2 cup water. Add 1 8 oz. can crushed pineapple, well drained, and 1.5 cups grated carrots. Add contents of bag and mix until just combined. Fill greased muffin pan cups 2/3 full. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until tops are lightly browned. Remove muffins from pan and enjoy!"



Blueberry Muffins: In a zip-top bag, combine 1. 5 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1/3 cup sugar, and 3/4 cup dried blueberries. Sew this bag into the cloth blueberry.  Add a gift tag that reads "Preheat oven to 375° F. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 slightly beaten egg, 3 oz melted better, 1/2 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add contents of bag and mix until just combined. Fill greased muffin pan cups 2/3 full. If desired, sprinkle tops with sugar or cinnamon sugar. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until tops are lightly browned. Remove muffins from pan and enjoy!"





What other fruit-nut bread or muffin recipes would work well? I'd love to hear what you come up with.