Please, dearest culinary friends do not get discouraged by the fancy name of this detectable treat - French puffs. To me, these puffs, as they are ridiculously called remind of those special teatime moments spent as a child where I was given the luxurious task of biting into a heavenly slice of “sugared toast” as I called them in my toddler phase. The tiny sprinkles of sugar were irresistible and I was never happy with one slice. This recipe, though quite similar and offering the same satisfaction is of course a more sophisticated version and can even serve as a decadent dessert for your friendly visitors. Accompanied by a dollop of unforgiving ice-cream or a more healthier option of a fruit compote, it is indeed a puff, you would not be able to resist.

Ingredients 

· 3 cups flour 

· 1 tablespoon baking powder 

· 1 teaspoon salt 

· 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 

· 1 cup sugar 

· 2/3 cup butter 

· 2 eggs 

· 1 cup milk coating 

· 1 1/2 cups sugar 

· 1 tablespoon cinnamon 

· 16 tablespoons (unsalted butter) 

Instructions 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 

2. Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by greasing it with butter. 

3. Into a medium bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg together. 

4. In another bowl cream the butter and sugar together. 

5. Beat in the eggs and combine well. 

6. Alternately, add the flour mixture and the milk, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

7. Pour batter into muffin cups filling to about 2/3 full. 

8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until lightly golden. 

Coating 

9. In a medium bowl, melt the butter. 

10. In another medium bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the coating. 

11. Dip the muffins into the butter, making sure to completely cover. 

12. Roll in cinnamon sugar. 

By Mayuri Jayasinghe