So, there's this girl that lives in my building. Actually, she lives on my floor. And she's kind of a beoyotch with a capital B. At least... she seems to be that way. I mean, for instance, she's seen me bumbling towards the elevator... arms full of heavy grocery bags and she makes no attempt to hold the elevator open for an extra 3 seconds, so that I don't have to stand there waiting for 4 minutes while our super duper slow elevator goes up 4 floors, let's her off, and then comes back down 4 floors to me. I mean, for chrissakes, we live on the same floor and I'm carrying 26 pounds worth of groceries! Arg!
Anyway, it's because of this... and because of the fact that when I bought this damn condo, I envisioned that along with the 763 sq feet of my very own property, I'd be getting a "Friends-esque" atmosphere. I assumed it would be like living in a college dorm again... except... instead of sneaking Natty Light in for togo parties, we'd be sipping wine at tapas parties.
I don't know any of my neighbors. I mean... I've met my next door neighbor. But, I don't know her. So, I'm toying with the idea of throwing a little "get to know each other" floor party. The idea is... I'll make some little flyers, post them around all over the floor and hopefully some people will come over and we can get to know each other better. Or at the VERY LEAST meet each other.
This post really has NOTHING to do with this recipe, except... the recipe is really good. Like, damn good. It's the kind of recipe that you want to share with your neighbors. When they've had a rough time or when they're just moving into the neighborhood, whip up a batch of these bad boys, and you'll have friends for life. These are the type of muffins that could warm up even the beoyotch from my floor's icy cold heart.
Also... a little housekeeping note... if you normally read my blog in a reader, check out my actual blog. I made a new header this week! I was getting sick of the old one and I feel like this one is a little more personal and casual. Let me know what you think!
Individual Blueberry-Coconut Pound Cake Muffins
recipe adapted from Gourmet Magazine
This recipe is super easy. The muffins come out sweet with a crumb that is exactly like a pound cake. Be sure to grease your muffin tin well, or to use liners, because these muffins will stick to your pan, if you don't.
I cup sugar
2 tsps of freshly grated orange zest
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs, room temperature
5 tbsps of heavy cream
1 cup all purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup plus 3 tbsps flaked coconut
1/2 cup blueberries
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and butter and flour 7 1/2 inch muffin cups.
Put the cup of sugar and the orange zest together in a large bowl and gently press the sugar together with the zest between your fingertips. Releasing the oils from the zest.
Add butter and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Beat in cream, then flour and salt, on low speed until just combined. Stir in the 1/2 cup of coconut and gently stir in the blueberries.
Spoon batter in muffin cups, filling the cups and smoothing the tops. Sprinkle tops with the remaining 3 tbsps of coconut.
Bake in middle of oven until a tester comes out clean and edges are golden brown, about 25 minutes. Invert onto a rack and cool.
