"Compliments to the wife"

This weekend Hans asked me to bake something gorgeous for him to take to work to celebrate his birthday (a little late). He wanted something to really show off with. I offered to make the Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cake because... well, I guess by now you've heard me rave enough about this cake, so let's skip this bit. ;)

One recipe that never fails me is the chocolate chocolate chip muffins. They are so easy to make and really delicious. Everyone loves them, not just the kiddies! Needless to say, they were very well received. "Compliments to the wife". (And compliments to Nigella on my part!)

Here's the recipe, now go make them!

Chocolate Chocolate-Chip Muffins

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons best quality cocoa powder
3/4 cup superfine sugar
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips, plus 1/4 cup for sprinkling
1 cup milk
1/3 cup plus 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Special equipment: Muffin tin with paper muffin cases


Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Put the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa, sugar, and 3/4 cup of the chocolate chips into a large bowl. Pour all the liquid ingredients into a measuring jug. Mix the dry and wet ingredients together, remembering that a lumpy batter makes the best muffins. Spoon into the prepared muffin cases. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips on top and then bake for 20 minutes or until the muffins are dark, risen and springy.