It was a daunting task deciding on which recipe to try from the Taste of Home Baking Cookbook giveaway. I took my time and sifted through over 700 recipes in this fabulous baking book. I finally settled on first trying these Streusel Topped Muffins. I thought it would be a wonderful after-school snack if there happened to be any leftover. *wink wink*.
The main reason I adore this baking book as much as I do is that its recipes have been contributed by home-bakers from all over North America. All of these delightful recipes can be trusted as they are each tested in the Taste of Home test kitchen.
*The chapters of The Taste of Home Baking Book overflow with easy-to-follow recipes and instruction. The book itself makes a valuable holiday gift; it comes with a free year subscription to Taste of Home (within the U.S.)
* Clear prep and bake times, and lots of how-to and step-by-step instructions with color photos to explain tricks of the trade.
*Trimmed-down favorites, specially designed for health-conscious readers or those who have food allergies, such as gluten-free options.
*There are amazing recipes from home kitchens throughout America and Canada. Filled with troubleshooting tips for the home baker, food equivalents, ingredient substitutions
*The book has a unique plastic removable sheet that you can take out and put over the recipe to keep it from getting full of flour while you are baking.
*Over 700 down-to-earth recipes that will warm the hearts of families who know the simple pleasure of gathering around the kitchen table for fresh-from-the-oven happiness.
My darling friends at Taste of Home have generously provided me with a copy of this gorgeous book to give away to one lucky reader…and a bonus is it also comes along with a year subscription to their Taste of Home magazine!!
Here are the details on how YOU can have a chance to win this incredible book! Here’s how to enter:
1. Leave a comment on this blog post telling me what your favorite homemade treat is to bake!
2. Like Taste of Home on Facebook.
3. Follow @TasteofHome on Twitter.
4. Subscribe to the RSS feed for Cake Duchess.
5. Like Cake Duchess on Facebook.
6. Follow @cakeduchess on Twitter.
7.Tweet the following: “Enter to win the Taste of Home Baking Book Giveaway on @cakeduchess .” Then come back and let me know you did for an extra entry.
8. Tell your friends about the giveaway on Facebook with the link, then pop back over here to let me know.
That is 8 different ways to win! GOOD LUCK! The lucky winner will be chosen on Sunday, October 30th using random.org.
Patiently waiting, I listened to Luca pleading for his turn with the topping.
Patience lasted for approximately 1 minute and 13 seconds. Then it was Luca’s turn to take charge of the yummy streusel topping.
Sprinkled and patted down nicely; Luca’s streusel toppings were the messiest which was just fine by me. Gabriella wasn’t too happy with his work and scooted him out of the way. He left with a nice handful of streusel topping to test and he exclaimed, “This is macing (amazing)!”
Streusel Topped Plum Muffins
yield: 15 muffins
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1-1/2 cups chopped fresh plums
TOPPING:
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon cold butter
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon coarse sugar
Directions
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in extracts.
Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with cream. Fold in plums.
Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full.
For topping, in a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour and cinnamon; cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in walnuts.
Sprinkle over batter; sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Serve warm.
Thanks for stopping by to say HELLO! Hope you are having a fabulous beginning of your week.
Tickled Red says
October 25, 2011 at 1:06 amI'm just gonna say it…"Streusel me please :)"
The Mom Chef says
October 25, 2011 at 1:10 amLoca peering over the top of the counter is the most adorable thing I've seen on the computer today. That is a priceless picture.
The muffins are gorgeous; delicious; fantastic. Wow.
Katie says
October 25, 2011 at 1:38 amMy favorite thing to make is apple turnovers. Those muffins look amazing! Mmmm…
foodwanderings says
October 25, 2011 at 1:41 amHow adorable the kiddos helping with the streusel topping. G is such a nice young lady and L is adorable as ever!! Love seeing them in the kitchen. These muffins, I literally gasped when I opened & saw the first pic peeking at me.:)
teddy bear says
October 25, 2011 at 1:49 amI just had an apple crumble muffin for the first time yesterday and wondered how I might make them myself, very nice timing.
AliciaS says
October 25, 2011 at 1:52 amWow, those muffins look great! I liked Taste of Home on Facebook! Thanks for the great giveaway!
AliciaS says
October 25, 2011 at 1:52 amNow follow Taste of Home on Twitter!
AliciaS says
October 25, 2011 at 1:52 amHave already been following you on Twitter, love it!
AliciaS says
October 25, 2011 at 1:53 amI am also already following you on facebook as well! Is this beginning to sound like a stalker?!
AliciaS says
October 25, 2011 at 1:55 amTweeted about your great giveaway! Although it does reduce my chances of winning this amazing book!
AliciaS says
October 25, 2011 at 1:57 amShared the link on my facebook page!
AliciaS says
October 25, 2011 at 1:58 amMy favorite thing to make and bake for the fall is anything pumpkin! I have been craving pumpkin chocolate chip muffins with a light touch of streusel on top.
Dionne Baldwin says
October 25, 2011 at 2:05 amYou are an amazing baker. I think I make enough muffins for te both of us because for some reason things around here end up in a muffin or a sandwich! 🙂 I love the Taste of Home cookbooks they have some excellent recipes! I hope you are having a good start to your week!
Sandra says
October 25, 2011 at 2:08 amI was about to say..Omg so good:))) they indeed look incredibly tasty muffins! Nice post and cute photos of your kids!!!
I think muffins out of all desserts/breakfast goodies are my favorite, and I am huge fan of your website:)) "I follow you on twitter" of course:)) and I just twitted!!! 🙂
Sandra says
October 25, 2011 at 2:11 amI like "Cake Duchess" on Facebook!
Sandra says
October 25, 2011 at 2:11 amJust shared on facebook!!!!
ciao bella
Jamie says
October 25, 2011 at 2:48 amOMG plums AND streusel??? Yes! I will make these! I will be getting my copy of this amazing cookbook this weekend!! Yay!
A Thought For Food says
October 25, 2011 at 2:52 amThese muffins look magical! I adore making scones… I try to make a batch whenever I have a free morning
Rebecca from Chow and Chatter says
October 25, 2011 at 3:07 amfun muffins love the addition of plum and love kids in the kitchen
Anonymous says
October 25, 2011 at 3:51 amfacebook name nikkiangel >love to win this great book fonso_tubb@yahoo.com
Elin says
October 25, 2011 at 4:02 amPlums !!! I love plums in cake and muffins and galette too. Thanks Lora for this wonderful recipe :)Have a nice day,
Elin
S.V. says
October 25, 2011 at 4:06 amI love it when the kids help me bake….. the muffins look fantastic.
Zita says
October 25, 2011 at 8:03 amI like baking muffins, easy and quick! My favorite is a cocoa-banana-hazelnut one.
Zita says
October 25, 2011 at 8:03 amI liked Cake Duchess on Facebook before.
Zita says
October 25, 2011 at 8:04 amI follow you on Twitter! 🙂
Zita says
October 25, 2011 at 8:05 amI tweeted the sentence!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
October 25, 2011 at 9:25 amMy favorite thing to bake are cookies, usually chocolate chip.
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
October 25, 2011 at 9:26 amI already follow you on Twitter.
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
October 25, 2011 at 9:27 amTweeted the contest.
Emily - Adeline and Lumiere says
October 25, 2011 at 10:34 amYuuuuum!
Lizzy says
October 25, 2011 at 11:13 amMmmm…these look amazing, Lora!!! YUM! And your children are so cute 🙂
PS…I like to bake cookies!
Lizzy says
October 25, 2011 at 11:23 amI like you on FB~
Lizzy says
October 25, 2011 at 11:23 amI follow you via Google Friend Connect~
Lizzy says
October 25, 2011 at 11:24 amI like ToH's FB page~
Lizzy says
October 25, 2011 at 11:24 amI follow ToH on Twitter~
Patty says
October 25, 2011 at 11:38 amThose look truly beautiful!!!
bunkycooks says
October 25, 2011 at 11:58 amMy husband's favorite baked goodie that I make is German Chocolate Cake, so I'll pick that one.
bunkycooks says
October 25, 2011 at 11:59 amI follow you on Twitter. 🙂
bunkycooks says
October 25, 2011 at 11:59 amI lurve you on Facebook.
bunkycooks says
October 25, 2011 at 12:00 pmI follow Taste oh Home on Twitter.
bunkycooks says
October 25, 2011 at 12:00 pmThat would be Taste of Home and I lurve them too on Facebook. 🙂
Maryam Bakes says
October 25, 2011 at 12:18 pmMy love to bake everything in general i'm just addicted!
Followed and liked all the links (:
Maria says
October 25, 2011 at 1:36 pmI love the streusel topping! Mmmm!
Monet says
October 25, 2011 at 2:20 pmI always enjoy seeing your sweet family in the kitchen. These muffins look so good. I need to add plums to my baking additions list. My favorite treat to bake? Homemade butter rolls. So good! Thank you for sharing with me today. It is always a good day when I start with a visit to your blog. You know how to make me smile. Much love and many blessings from Austin.
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
October 25, 2011 at 2:24 pmThis looks awesome – I love anything streusel related! My fav thing lately to bake is apple crisp. I need more apples so I can make more soon 🙂
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
October 25, 2011 at 2:24 pmI like TOH on facebook
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
October 25, 2011 at 2:25 pmI follow TOH on twitter
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
October 25, 2011 at 2:25 pmI get your feed via rss
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
October 25, 2011 at 2:26 pmI follow you on twitter
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
October 25, 2011 at 2:26 pmI like you on fb
Grubarazzi says
October 25, 2011 at 4:55 pmOh yeah, these look fabulous!
Mb says
October 25, 2011 at 4:57 pmoatmeal cookies!
blueblanket@hotmail.com
Janie says
October 25, 2011 at 5:01 pmI love to bake everything, a little intimidated by pies. My fav is brownies and I love to make cheesecakes.
Penni Weinstein-Long says
October 25, 2011 at 7:02 pmI love to bake snickerdoodle cookies
Penni Weinstein-Long says
October 25, 2011 at 7:03 pmI like Cake Duchess on Facebook
Penni Weinstein-Long says
October 25, 2011 at 7:03 pmI like Taste of Home on Facebook
Penni Weinstein-Long says
October 25, 2011 at 7:04 pmI posted the contest to my Facebook page
Penni Weinstein-Long says
October 25, 2011 at 7:04 pmI follow Cake Duchess on Twitter (as pennijoy521)
Penni Weinstein-Long says
October 25, 2011 at 7:05 pmI follow Taste of Home on Twitter (as pennijoy521)
Penni Weinstein-Long says
October 25, 2011 at 7:05 pmI tweeted about the contest
MARGARET says
October 25, 2011 at 9:04 pmI absolutely love making blueberry scones. So perfect with a little bit of sugar crystals on top!
Nelly Rodriguez says
October 25, 2011 at 9:31 pmLove baking brownies!
Nelly Rodriguez says
October 25, 2011 at 9:32 pmI Like Taste of Home on Facebook.
Nelly Rodriguez says
October 25, 2011 at 9:33 pmI Follow @TasteofHome on Twitter.
Nelly Rodriguez says
October 25, 2011 at 9:33 pmI am already subscribed to the RSS feed for Cake Duchess.
Nelly Rodriguez says
October 25, 2011 at 9:33 pmI (LOVE) Like Cake Duchess on Facebook.
Nelly Rodriguez says
October 25, 2011 at 9:33 pmI Follow @cakeduchess on Twitter, duh!
Nelly Rodriguez says
October 25, 2011 at 9:35 pmI tweeted!
Happy When Not Hungry says
October 25, 2011 at 11:37 pmI love baking homemade pies! I think homemade pies taste so much better than the store-bought ones. Beautiful muffins!
Barbara | Creative Culinary says
October 26, 2011 at 2:31 amI just want to say how wonderful these look; I am new to using plums in baking in just the past couple of years and feel like I've now got to make up for lost time. Love, love, love them.
I just won a wonderful cookbook from you, so don't count me in for your giveway…I've just hear to say hi!
Farmgirl Gourmet says
October 26, 2011 at 3:58 amThis is the 3rd streusel recipe today….I think it's a sign! I need some streusel in my life. Like right away! 🙂 Your plum muffins look awesome Lora. Yum!
Reena says
October 26, 2011 at 6:13 amI hope to win this incredible book..Lovely gieaway..I am fond of baking
reenathomasg@gmail.com
Reena
SMITH BITES says
October 26, 2011 at 11:05 amLora, i don't know which i love more . . . the desserts you make or the pics of your beautiful children . . . bellisimo!! (don't think i spelled that right – LOL!)
Terra says
October 26, 2011 at 12:00 pmAnother fantastic way to enjoy plums, love it!! I love making/baking cinnamon rolls. It is so fun to be creative with the dough, and goodies inside:-) Hugs, Terra
Terra says
October 26, 2011 at 12:02 pmI am following Taste of Home on Facebook.
Terra says
October 26, 2011 at 12:04 pmI am following Taste of Home on Twitter.
Terra says
October 26, 2011 at 12:05 pmI am following you on Twitter.
Terra says
October 26, 2011 at 12:07 pmI am following you on Facebook.
Terra says
October 26, 2011 at 12:08 pmI retweeted the giveaway:-)
Foodiva says
October 26, 2011 at 1:30 pmThe messiest streusel toppings are always the best, and Luca's muffins therefore must be the yummiest! My favorite treat to bake at home is pie, any kind of pie but mostly apple!
Foodiva says
October 26, 2011 at 1:31 pmI'm already following you on Twitter.
Bestfoodies says
October 26, 2011 at 1:59 pmThese look amazing, I love anything that has to do with streusel and cinnamon. It looks as though these could be adapted to various kinds of fruit! Pinning it! I already follow you everywhere lol…
Bestfoodies says
October 26, 2011 at 2:09 pmDidn't need a contest to Follow or Like was already done – Love your site! Sent the tweet and the post to Facebook!
Paula says
October 26, 2011 at 2:47 pmI'm not entering the contest. Just needed to tell you how wonderful these muffins look. I can just picture your little Luca scooting out of the kitchen with a handful of streusel topping. I'd be tempted to eat it by the handfuls too!
Reeni says
October 27, 2011 at 1:05 amStreusel topped muffins are the best! I always chose those over any other! Over 700 recipes? One could bake something different for over a year and a half. That's crazy for one cookbook! I love it. When I first started blogging I was muffin crazy – now I'm cake crazy!
Reeni says
October 27, 2011 at 1:06 amI liked Taste of Home on facebook!
Reeni says
October 27, 2011 at 1:07 amI follow Taste of Home on Twitter!
Reeni says
October 27, 2011 at 1:08 amI like you on Facebook!
Reeni says
October 27, 2011 at 1:09 amI'm a twitter follower!
Reeni says
October 27, 2011 at 1:11 amI tweeted the giveaway! http://twitter.com/#!/Reeni_Spice/status/129364267286806529
Mari @ Mari's Cakes says
October 27, 2011 at 11:03 amLove streusel muffins. This plum recipe must be divine! I am glad Luca loves to help. You have adorable kids, Lora 🙂
Hugs
kita says
October 28, 2011 at 3:11 amThat first picture is amazing! I love the font and everything – but really, I want that missing muffin! Im still trying to figure out why my favorite thing to bake is but I know I can never walk away with just one of my dads chocolate chip cookies in hand if that counts 😉
Amalia says
November 3, 2011 at 2:29 amThis looks 'macing'! 🙂 It really does though! I would have to say my favorite thing to bake is everything! Cakes, cookies, bars, brownies, pies…anything you can think of! I can't pick just one! But thank you for the chance to win this awesome book, it looks great 🙂
Give me money says
January 29, 2012 at 11:41 amso beautiful cakes