Arthritis Friendly Recipe: Cheese Mini Muffins

The Christmas party season is upon us. People are already riding the tube home looking glazed from mulled wine with tinsel in their hair. Carols are being piped out in every shop and you can't move but for being offered mince pies.  If you are having people over or want to take a foodie gift to a party, try these mini muffins. They make a delicious nibble with drinks and are easy to make, even with arthritis. The great thing about muffins is you really only need to mix the batter until it is just combined, stirring too much makes heavy, gluey muffins so they are a great thing to bake if stirring hurts your joints.

I like the combination of cheese,mustard and black pepper in these but you could also try adding herbs, spring onions, ham or even paprika for a different flavour. Make them in advance and freeze them so you are party-ready - no tinsel required.

Ingredients:
75g wholemeal flour
75g plain flour
150ml milk
1 egg
1tsp baking powder
40g grated half-fat cheese (plus extra to sprinkle - I buy it ready grated)
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
2 tsp English mustard
Pinch of salt
Black pepper to taste

Makes 24 mini muffins or 12 large

Heat your oven to 180C and line a mini muffin tin with 24 cases (or a large one with 9, if you prefer).In a bowl or jug, lightly beat the egg, oil, mustardvand milk together (a milk frother is a good lightweight tool for this if you find whisking tricky). Mix the dry ingredients and cheese together in another bowl. Tip the wet ingredients into the flour mixture and mix until just combined.

Spoon the mixture into the cases until 3/4 full. Top with a little extra cheese and then bake for 15mins for the mini muffins or 25 for the large. The muffins are cooked when well risen and golden. They are best eaten on the day they are made or you can allow them to cool and then freeze them. Reheat for 10 mins in the oven to serve.

Arthritis diet notes:
Christmas can be a challenge when you have arthritis. Preparing food for family and friends can be tricky when you are exhausted or in pain. Equally, the onslaught of festive food can leave you feeling stuffed and sluggish. Take a look at my how to stay healthy over Christmas tips for ways to enjoy the season without making your arthritis worse.

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