Vanilla Muffins

Makes 12 large muffins

Dry mixture:
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet mixture:
1 stick (8 Tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup plus 2 Tablespoons milk, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract

1.Preheat the oven to 400 F. Lightly spray the surface of a 12 cup muffin tray with baking spray. Fill each of the 12 cups with a paper baking cup liner. Set the pan aside.

2. In a large bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. With a whisk, mix the dry ingredients until well-blended (or alternately, sift the dry ingredients to mix well). Set bowl aside.

3. In a small bowl or beaker add the melted butter, milk, beaten eggs and vanilla. Stir with a fork until the liquid is well mixed. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the wet ingredients (liquid) to the center of the well, Using a spoon or large fork mix the muffin batter until the wet and dry ingredients are just blended. Some lumps are O.K.

4. Using spoons or a scoop, put an equal amount of muffin batter into each of the 12 muffin cups. Place the muffin pan on top of a baking sheet (if desired). Bake the muffins for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they have risen and are light golden brown of the edges. Remove the muffins from the oven, cool for 10 minutes in the muffin pan. Remove muffins from pan and finish cooling on a wire baking rack. Serve muffins warm or at room temperature.