Ingredients

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
dash cayenne pepper
3/4 cup shredded smoked Cheddar cheese (3 ounces)
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons cooking oil or 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Poppy seeds, sesame seeds, thin strips roasted red sweet pepper, shredded smoked Cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly grease eighteen to twenty 1-3/4-inch muffin cups; set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir in the 3/4 cup cheese. In a small bowl, combine egg, milk, and oil. Add egg mixture all at once to flour mixture; stir just until moistened (batter should be lumpy). Batter will thicken upon standing.

3. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling three-fourths full. Sprinkle with desired topping.

4. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in muffin cups on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Remove from muffin cups; serve warm. Makes 18 to 20 mini muffins

Make Ahead Tip Prepare as directed. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. To reheat, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Wrap muffins in foil. Bake about 10 minutes or until warmed. Serve immediately.

Appetizer