DEVOUR AND DIVINE : Blackstrap Gingerbread Cups

BLACKSTRAP GINGERBREAD CUPS, makes 5 doz mini, 2 doz regular muffins

In a bowl combine :

• 3 T Blackstrap molasses
• 4 T Lyle’s Golden Syrup (can buy from specialty food stores or Amazon)
• 1 c dark brown sugar
• 1/4c + 1T finely minced fresh ginger

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Preheat oven to 400º.

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In a large bowl sift together :

• 1.5 c all-purpose flour
• 1 c buckwheat flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp ground black peppercorns
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• 1/2 tsp sea salt

In another bowl combine :

• 1 c vegetable oil
• 3/4 c half and half
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/4 c balsamic vinegar

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Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients, once incorporated add the sugar and molasses mixture and combine thoroughly. Fill muffin cups 2/3 the way full. Bake for 10 minutes for minis and 12-15 minutes for regular sized muffins.