Alton Brown’s Blueberry Muffins
Though some of my ‘real life’ friends don’t understand how I find baking and cooking so relaxing (one friend became quite upset when I suggested we cook dinner together “for fun”), the truth is that nothing quiets my mind as much as puttering around the kitchen. So, with a crazy-busy week ahead of me, this afternoon I decided to make three things that are bound to add a bit of ease to my schedule: Alton Brown’s blueberry muffins, peach cream popsicles, and coconut popsicles. I figure, if I have to get up at 4:30am on Monday & Tuesday I need a major muffin to go with my coffee as I stumble onto the train. And naturally, when I get home in the evening a refreshing homemade popsicle is the perfect end to a long summer day spent working in the city. Am I right, or am I right?
The recipe for Alton Brown’s blueberry muffins can be found here. I follow the recipe pretty much to the T, with the minor exceptions of substituting olive oil for vegetable oil, reducing the 1 tablespoon of flour mix added to the berries to 1/2 tablespoon, and baking the muffins in jumbo tins (which requires a 5-10 min increase in baking time). Like AB’s French toast, these muffins added an extra dash of harmony to my marriage. My husband is a self-described “blueberry muffin connoisseur” and was unhappy with every single muffin recipe I tried for almost two years – until I made this one. No kidding. I must have experimented with at least 20 different recipes, hoping each time that this would be the day – at last! – when the muffins satisfied his discerning tastes. But they were always “too healthy tasting,” or the texture was “off,” or they were just “eh.” Then AB swooped in and gave me a sure-fire recipe that pleases every time. Just what a gal needs when a busy week’s ahead, or, when she needs to butter up the hubby before proposing spending a day at the spa. 
As for the popsicles, well those are just a treat aren’t they? I remember when I was a kid my mother and I would make popsicles on hot days like this one. They weren’t as fancy as the ones I made this afternoon, but boy were they good! There was nothing like the anticipation of waiting for them to freeze, then running out to the porch where we would enjoy the pops in the hot summer sun. When my brother came along we included him in this ritual, and when juice streamed down our chins my mom would turn the hose on and chase us around the yard with the cool water, all of us laughing. Ah, those were the days.
You may have noticed that there is no recipe included in this post (aside from the link to AB’s muffin recipe). There is a reason for this, and that is: a game! Both of the popsicles I made this afternoon came from a delightful new book entitled “Pops! Icy Treats for Everyone” by Krystina Castella. I have two copies of this book to give away – one provided by the generous folks over at Quirk Books, and the other provided by myself, because this book is simply too fabulous to give away only one copy. If you’d like a chance to win one, simply comment on this post and answer the following question:
- “Which popsicle recipe would you like me to share, the one for peach cream popsicles or the one for coconut popsicles?”
The winner’s name will be randomly selected & posted by Saturday, July 26th (maybe earlier) along with the recipe that received the most votes and a review of the book. Only comments that answer the question will be entered in the game.
Until then, have a great week!
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171 Responses to “Alton Brown’s Blueberry Muffins”
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Recent Reviews
My Favorite Ice Cream Book
I love the recipes in this book, which not only has a fantastic selection but tons of ideas for ice cream variations. A great addition to your summer bookshelf.
Recent Posts
Der…coconut! I love me some coconut pops! It’s like having a virgin piña colada on a stick!
nancy’s last blog post -> King the Protector
must have coconut! have to have coconut! if you don’t post coconut recipe i’ll will cry.
evil chef mom’s last blog post -> Cinnaminny Goodness
Coconut – definately – do you guys have Bounty bars in the States ??? – hmmmmmm – such a lovely flavour for a tropical summer day……whiter than white!
Really – you get up at 4.30am?? I think you need TWO muffins…..golly – you’d need lunch by 11am!
xx
Definitely peach cream pops, when peaches are in season. There is nothing better than a ripe fresh peach. I’m new to your blog and enjoying it.
I too find baking to be incredibly relaxing, calming, and fun :0)
Those muffins look MARVELOUS!!
VeggieGirl’s last blog post -> Red, White, and… Yellow?
P.S. – I adore coconut, so I vote for that popsicle recipe! :0)
VeggieGirl’s last blog post -> Red, White, and… Yellow?
Nothing says summer more than peaches . . . so I would love to have you share the peach recipe. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway
TheAngelForever’s last blog post -> We are not tired Mom
amazing muffins! baking is definitely therapeutic.
and coconut, 100%!
mi’s last blog post -> bumpy ride
Coconut!
peach cream ,hands down
chyk’s last blog post -> Things I cannot live without: My Vita Mix.
Oh, the coconut one, please. Nothing is more summery than coconut!
sprite’s last blog post -> plans for the weekend
Peach cream, that one would go over better with my wacky family.
anna’s last blog post -> Flickr Mosiac
Peach cream!!!!!!!
The muffins looks outstanding, I had a feeling AB would come through. He seems so darn knowledgeable about everything food related, how could he be wrong? Unless it’s not him coming up with the recipes but the food network staff….I’m never really sure who comes up with all the ideas for the shows.
Nick’s last blog post -> Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Definitely the peach cream- I haven’t made popsicles since I was a kid, but I think it may be just about time to start again…
Emily’s last blog post -> Spicy tofu and zucchini with lemongrass, lime, and basil
Blueberry muffins are my fav of all muffins I think. Although, I could eat just about any muffin. lol!
I vote for the peach cream pops. I adore coconut but peach cream just spells summer for me.
pam’s last blog post -> Shoe Sunday
Although both recipes sound great, my vote is for peach cream. Yum!
Katy’s last blog post -> Seattle Bound!
i vote for coconut!
lara’s last blog post -> blueberry picking and blueberry scones
The coconut sounds good to me.
I know what you mean when you say cooking is relaxing. It is for me too. I just zone in on what I am doing and no other worry exists anymore. It ‘s great.
Beautiful photo of the muffins!
P.S. Thanks for visiting
Annie’s last blog post -> "Mock" Berry Tiramisu
What a delight!
I love the photo of your blueberry muffins. I agree that is exactly what one needs in the early morning to start the day
That must have been alot of fun when you were a kid, eating popsicles and then getting squirted on a very hot day.
By the way, I am partial to coconut popsicles.
Hi Ari,
Definitely the coconut recipe…..sounds so delish – especially with the heat we’ve been having.
I too, find baking and cooking to be incredibly relaxing. Six years ago, I was your basic home cook, and my love for it has grown so strong that I now work in catering and am getting ready to launch a baking school for kids….
Keep up the great posts!
Jan
I would love if you shared the coconut popsicle recipe! My mom grew up in South America eating thick sweet coconut popsicles and until this day that’s the only place she can still find them! I would love to be able to make them for her and surprise her!
I vote for coconut!!!! Sounds wonderful!
Love the way you think ahead – muffins in the morning and popsicles after work. Saves you time, calories and stress!!!
Peach cream!
Amy’s last blog post -> TWD: Double Crusted Blueberry Pie
I love the picture of the popsicle on the cover of the book! Let’s see….which to choose. Both sound good, but if you’re forcing me to pick just one, I’d say to post the recipe for the coconut popsicles. I love the Edy’s whole fruit coconut popsicles, so it would be great to learn how to make them at home. Looking forward to the recipe you post!
Sarah’s last blog post -> Chicken Waldorf Salad, Peach Streusel Coffee Cake, and a German Pancake
PEACH CREAM all the way!! YUMMMY, I love all things peach and popsicles to boot! Of course I live in Georgia so the peach ones will be a big hit!!
Blessings
Sue
marklovessue@numail.org
Peach cream for sure! I love peaches more than any other fruit. Plus my kids like peaches – but not coconut.
Jeri’s last blog post -> Destination… determination…
Nice muffins! Yummy!
That’s a great book! I’d love you to share the Coconut Popsicle recipe!
Cheers,
Rosa
Rosa’s last blog post -> WEEKEND CAT BLOGGING #163
What a beautiful image of summer. A true delight!!!!
nina’s last blog post -> Croque Monsieur…or just a delicious Toastie?
The coconut would be like a vacation to the tropics. My Grandma made us pudding pops, her coconut creme was so good! Keep up the blog, I love reading and trying your recipes.
i would love the peach ones, they just make me think summer…
draven’s last blog post -> ?
Peach please! They sound so delicious!
Peach cream….mmmmmm!
those muffins look simply delightful, as does the picture of them.
as far as the popsicles go? coconut, all the way.
great week to you!
celine’s last blog post -> Drunken Muffins
I vote coconut. I love coconut.
Ashley Nicole.’s last blog post -> Finally. Internet Again.
coconut! absolutely, without question
We put the Lime in the coconut and we freeze it all up….
uh Coconut will be fine …please send my new “POPS” book.
LOL can’t wait to start freezing. The entire idea is cool.
COCONUT!!
muffins, scones, granola sounds like great on-the-run type foods
kat’s last blog post -> umi no hi
Peach…. Coconut…. Peach… Coconut…. BOTH!
brilynn’s last blog post -> Cigarettes Russes, Memories and Amano Chocolate
Peach Cream!
And those muffins look delicious!
Peach cream for sure. The coconut sounds delicious, too. But I bet my wife would prefer the peach.
Peach!! I love icy peach desserts!!
Ohhhh soooooo have to have the peach recipe!! and thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book…ohhh…that would mean I could get both recipes!! Now talk about a deal!
I’ve never made popsicles before. I say peach cream…
paz
Paz’s last blog post -> New York Monday #132: Orchids for You!
Coconut!
There is a house up the block from us that sells homemade icies for 15 and 30 cents, in little plastic cups, mostly to children. I send my kids to buy me the coconut flavor – it appears to have flecks of nutmeg in it. They only speak Spanish and I only speak English, so I have not tried to ask for the recipe.
coconut. I rcently develop a craving for coconut …
I vote for peach cream, but they both sound delicious.
The muffins look good enough to eat right off your page!
Coconut! Yay for coconut.
mmm…coconut! That sounds wonderful! (as do the muffins!)
Peach cream popcicles please!
I think coconut is the winner for me…delicious!
Coconut, without question. I love the coconut ice that I get from the local street vendors in NYC and Jersey City. So refreshing and delicious!
Those blueberry muffins look amazing…I’ll have to give them a try! For me, definitely peach cream for the popsicles. They sound like the perfect light summer treat!
they both sound yummy, but i vote for… peach cream popsicles!
i really enjoy your blog and flickr set!
Peach cream popsicles, as soon peaches will be invading farmers markets.
Peach cream popsicles, please!
BTW, those muffins look AMAZING!!
Mmmm.. those blueberry muffins look delicious…. I would have to say the peach cream popsicles… Its summer so I say, bring on the peaches!!!!
Coconut….definitely the coconut ones
Decisions,,, You can send my coconut popsicles to…. Yum.
Lori’s last blog post -> NICE in my KITCHEN
Coconut please :O)
Ali’s last blog post -> You know what is really fun?
Peach Cream sound to die for!!
Thank you so much for commenting on my chocolate chip cookie post! I’m so happy you did because you introduced me to your blog and, since I’m an enormous fan of both baking and books, I can’t wait to read every single one of your posts! I love Alton Brown and completely agree with you that his recipes are generally perfection. On the popsicle contest front, my choice is the coconut, hands down. I’d love to add that book to my collection; you’re so generous to hold this contest!
Vegyogini’s last blog post -> Happy Herbivore Chocolate Chip Cookies
I’d go for the coconut one. One suggestion – do you think you could add a little sweet red bean to it?
Nate’s last blog post -> Homemade Whole Wheat Tortillas: It’s Easier Than You Think
Both sound so wonderful to me. It is 100 degrees where I live today. But i think I would lean towards the coconut since that seems to seem tropical and refreshing. But then again so does the peach. Can you do both?
that alton brown knows his stuff. what a man.
COCONUT. coconut > peach. ALWAYS.
Your pictures always look fantastic!
What’s your secret? Is there a particular type of camera or image setting you use?
As for popsicle recipes, I’m definitely requesting coconut. It’s one of my very favorite flavors.
Coconut sounds delicious! It’s my birthday in a few days and I was just about to buy this book. Hope I win!
Definitely Peach Cream Popsicles! Not only are peaches the essence of summer for me, but my nickname is Peach!
I’m thinking back to the first summer I lived back in New York . . . I lived in Hastings-on-Hudson and used to walk up to Dobbs Ferry to shop at the Grand Union grocery store there. That was the first time I’d ever tried Haagen Daz ice cream, and the flavor was (the now defunct) Elberta Peach. Oh my! It was AMAZING! My sweetie and I couldn’t bear the thought of it melting on the long walk back home, so we bravely ate the entire pint
. . .
Perhaps Peach Cream Popsicles can help me relive the magic . . . Yummm!
Thanks!
Peach cream for sure!!!!
Paula’s last blog post -> BlakeBakes Real Butterscotch Pudding
Peach please! My wonderful wife is tolerant of my experiments in cooking, but coconut tends to put her off.
Definitely coconut! Thank you
It’s gotta be the cocoanut popsicles since I’ve never had that flavor before. But who am I kidding? I want both of the recipes!
hmmmm…that’s a toughie. I love coconut so much. but peaches & cream? damn. um um um….
peaches n cream!
iron stef’s last blog post -> 3 easy peasy schmeasy spreads
My vote is for peach cream!
Though I’ve found some fantastic juice at the Farmer’s Market lately and have been making orange-pomegranate and apple-peach popsicles that are just delicious!
Christianne’s last blog post -> herby, mustardy potato goodness
oooh, the peach cream one! yum… it’s the only way to go!
peach cream!
The Peach Cream sounds divine especially now that it is peach season! This book looks awesome. I know my kids would love it.
My wife loves coconut so by all means the coconut popsicle recipe please!
My vote is for peach cream pops…what a perfect summery treat!
I’m also here to give you my Battle of the Blogs vote on Monday night…every time you participate, I think, “what a beautiful blog!”
Roxy
Roxiticus Desperate Housewives’s last blog post -> The New York Times Article That Launched Roxiticus Desperate Housewives: "The New Nanny Diaries Are Online" by Helaine Olen
peach cream – for sure.
i always enjoy elton’s recipes and i hadn’t seen this one
before so thanks for the delicous looking pic and the link.
Cause I love coconuts I would be happy, if you’ll share the coconut popsicles recipe with us! ^^
Best regards, Nadine (Azrael)!
Azrael / Nadine’s last blog post -> 20.07.2008 Thema: Spatzengefühlt: juh
81 comments?! Egads!
I think the coconut popsicles sound good.
And glorious muffins!
Emiline’s last blog post -> Buttermilk Frozen Custard with Bourbon Roasted Peaches and Brown Sugar Walnuts
peach. peach. peach …PEACH !!!!!
Peach Cream please! I have a box of peaches and I need some recipes.
Since peaches will be selling at road side stands here, I vote for the peach cream. Yum! I’ve been eyeing this book…
Deborah’s last blog post -> Banana Crunch Muffins
coconut please!!!!!
Angie’s last blog post -> Spaghetti Western
Peach cream. Yum!
What a cunumdrum! I would have to say, the peach, but possibly using coconut milk in it instead of cream. Lovely!
Definitely the Peach. I love all things peaches.
Shirley’s last blog post -> Shoes, Shoes, Shoes
Peach!!! And I can’t wait to take a crack at those muffins, however, since stumbling onto this site, I have bought about 10 cook books and I’m starting to get anxious because I haven’t been able to decide on which recipe from which cookbook I want to try first!!!
Peach cream, please. It will be peach season, soon.
Argh, so hard to choose–peach cream will get my vote though.
My friends are like that too. I always suggest a two-person potluck as a get-together gimmick and the response is a horrified one. Why make food on your own when a restaurant can do it for you? Sigh.
Maureen’s last blog post -> Ahora Mexican Cuisine
MMM Coconut
OOH! Either one sounds divine but coconut has the slight edge for me.
Ooh, how to choose, how to choose… Ok. Coconut it is!
Autumn’s last blog post -> Vacation time!
Mmmm–both sound yummy. But I’d really like to try coconut pops!
If the limit is one flavor, then the peach pops would be great. I like to tinker with recipes, so I would probably end up with a combination of both the peach and coconut in one pop..Yum!
Peachy Coconut pops, anyone?
Love this blog!!!
Rhonda’s last blog post -> Family Time in Oklahoma
That photo of the muffins is just so perfect!
And you are so generous! I love give aways…personally, I vote for coconut!
Shellyfish’s last blog post -> Raw Tuesdays!
Wow! Those muffins look INCREDIBLE.
I vote for coconut pops.
Coconut!! It has to be coconut!
The muffins look gorgeous…the blueberries look like they’ll explode in the mouth at the first bite. Very tempting, indeed.