Orange Ricotta Chocolate Chip Muffins

Ok, so by now you know I love breakfast.  I think that must be my favorite meal to find recipes for.  There is so much out there and so many variations to the simple ols time favorites.  Plus I am always
try to make something new and fun for breakfast each week to start the kids off with. These happen to be our weekend treat just because they are on the sweet side.

I found this recipe from one of my favorite blogs to visit. These muffins are moist and a little more dense with the ricotta cheese, making them easier to eat because they don't fall apart.  Also, what a great way to use up the extra ricotta cheese from lasagna last night! Great treat on a Saturday morning with some scrambled eggs and a tall glass of orange juice!



Orange Ricotta Chocolate Chip Muffins

www.http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/

Yield: 12 muffins

Cook Time: 18-20 minutes

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose Gold Medal flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup granulated sugar

Zest of 1 orange

1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 large egg

1 tablespoon fresh orange juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup chocolate chips


For the glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon orange zest

2 tablespoons fresh orange juice


1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners. Set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a small bowl, add the sugar and orange zest. Rub the orange zest and sugar together with your fingers.

3. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar and orange zest mixture together until light and fluffy, about two minutes. Add the ricotta cheese and beat until smooth. Beat in the egg, orange juice, and vanilla extract.

4. Add the dry ingredients and mix until just blended. Stir in the chocolate chips. Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, divide the batter evenly between the 12 muffin cups.

5. Bake muffins for about 18-20 minutes, or until the tops are slightly golden brown. Let muffins cool completely.

6. While the muffins are cooking, make the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange zest, and orange juice. Drizzle glaze over muffins. Let the muffins sit until glaze hardens.

Note-we've made these muffins with low-fat and full fat ricotta cheese. Both work nicely so take your pick:)