Ham and Cheese muffin recipe

I really started to get back into cooking and baking in a big way again when my daughter was just starting to wean, simply because I knew what was in it - and what wasn’t. Now, it’s more about having something fun to do with her. These muffins never fail to smell amazing when you open the oven door.

This is one of my favourite recipes from Tana Ramsay. Once you’ve got your head around the fact that these muffins aren’t sweet, you’ll love them.

They’re really easy to make and handy as you can freeze them. I then just get out what I need the night before to de-frost ready for the morning. I don’t know about you but my mornings are always hectic, the dog needs walking and guaranteed my daughter sleeps in when she’s due at nursery (but up early on a weekend!). So anything that means I can pile my daughter into the car and eat it on the way to nursery that isn’t too messy is a bonus in my book and as it’s homemade, it makes my conscience feel better when I’m rushing her.

If your kid isn’t a huge fan of sandwiches yet, these are a great alternative.

Makes: About 12 muffins

Prep time: 20 mins (getting into cases takes 5 mins)

Cooking time: 20 mins

Ingredients

• 300g self-raising flour
• ½ tsp of mustard powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• 75g butter
• 185g grated cheese
• 6 slices of ham
• 1 egg, beaten
• 250ml milk

Method

• Sieve the flour and spices*
• Mix the butter in (use your fingers and rub in until like breadcrumbs)
• Mix in the ham and cheese
• Stir in the milk and egg
• A good dessert spoon per cake case – makes about 30 for me
• Sprinkle parmesan or regular cheese on the tops
• Bake for 20 mins on 180c fan oven
• Place them on a cooling rack

*you don’t have to include the spices, but if you do, don’t worry as they aren’t strong.

Tip: Just make by hand, I found using a mixer took longer and created more washing up. 

Weaning: I first gave my daughter these savoury muffins from about 8 months.

Play: My daughter has helped me make these from about age 2, I tend to start to get things going and she’ll spot that I’m baking and join in handily around the time that she can drop the cheese and ham into the bowl.

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