• This recipe is perfect for a scrumptious brunch. It is quick to prepare, easy to make and simply delicious. Try these basil pesto, cheese and tomato muffins. 

    Basil pesto, cheese and tomato muffins

    Serves: 12 regular or 6 large muffins

    Ingredients

    • 4 cups flour
    • 8T baking powder (level)
    • 1t mustard powder
    • Maldon sea salt
    • fresh black pepper
    • 100g butter
    • 1½ cups of grated cheddar
    • a small handful of chopped fresh herbs such as chives, basil or lemon thyme
    • 2½ cups of milk
    • 1 small tub basil pesto
    • 6 – 12 cherry or mini plum tomatoes, halved
    • ripe brie, prosciutto and balsamic dressing, to serve

    Instructions

    1

    Sieve the flour and add the baking powder, mustard powder, a pinch of salt and some black pepper. Add the butter and blend with your fingertips until crumbly.

    2

    Mix the grated cheddar and the chopped fresh herbs into the milk, and add this to the dry ingredients. You should have a fairly stiff mix, but make sure there are no dry pockets.

    3

    Butter and flour your muffin tins. Mound the mixture into the tins, then using a spoon or your finger, make a hollow deep into the centre of each muffin. Spoon a dollop of basil pesto into each and top with a halved tomato.

    4

    Sprinkle with salt and pepper and bake in your pizza oven, using only embers, for 20–30 minutes till the muffins are beautifully browned and when poked with a skewer, the skewer comes out clean.

    5

    Serve warm or cold with ripe brie and prosciutto and drizzled with a little balsamic dressing.