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Elizabeth's Kitchen Diary

Elizabeth's Kitchen Diary

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Spiced Apple Muffins

Spiced Apple Muffins & a Harvey Nichols Hamper Review

Published on November 3, 2014 โ€ข Last updated January 28, 2019 by Elizabeth Atia
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

For a leisurely late morning breakfast.

Spiced Apple Muffins

Nothing beats a leisurely late morning breakfast when you’ve got all the time in the world to enjoy it.

Good coffee, home bakes, quality preserves and a cheeky glass of… Prosecco?!

This is what my husband and I indulged in the other day.

The nature of my husband’s work means he leaves the house at silly o’clock in the morning, but he’s usually home by lunch. The nature of my work (and I’m not complaining, honest!) means I usually spend more time writing about food these days than I do cooking and eating it.

My poor husband is left to fend for himself, foraging in the fridge when he gets home, while I’m busy frantically typing away trying to meet deadlines.

I surprised him the other day, however, with a house filled with the warming scent of freshly baked spiced apple muffins and a table laid out, complete with a freshly ironed white table cloth and napkins, and the contents of a Harvey Nichols ‘Rise & Shine’ breakfast hamper.

Harvey Nichols Hamper

Hamper contents:
1 x 227 gram tin of Fairtrade Harvey Nichols own blend ofย coffee, hand crafted and drum roasted in the UK to produce a special medium to full bodied filter coffee with smooth chocolate undertones.
1 x 125 gram tin of carefully selected blend of Indian and Ceylon loose leaf teas producing a bright, flavoursome, highly drinkable English Breakfast Tea.
2 x quirky French porcelain Harvey Nichols mugs; one featuring theย iconic Harvey Nichols Cantucci men and the other surfers. These are dishwasher, oven, microwave and freezer safe.
1 x 250 gram jar of Hungarian acacia honey complete with honeycomb. Light and delicately flavoured this sweet honey looks beautiful on the table with its honeycomb.
1 x 340 gram strawberry preservesย made in small handmade batches using whole fruit to a traditional recipe nearlyย 100 years old.
1 x 340 gram gooseberry preserves. Made with whole gooseberries to produce a fruity and slightly tart preserve ideal with pastries, cakes or toast.
1 perfectly sized half bottle (375 ml) of Valdobbiadene Prosecco. Their website describes it as “Fabulously fruity, it is bursting with flavours of pear, red apple and ripe peach all set against a subtle mineral charged backdrop.”

Harvey Nichols prosecco

I couldn’t very well serve toast with the contents of this lovely hamper, so I adapted a spiced apple muffin I found in an old Canadian leaflet in my cookery binder.

We thought it made a rather fantastic late breakfast with the low autumn Shetland sun shining through the window casting a golden hue over everything. I ignored the deadlines for awhile and we sat there indulging in good food and good conversation.

“Elizabeth, sometimes I really love your job” – my dear husband, while sipping Prosecco and spooning honey over his freshly baked muffin.

Gooseberry Jam

The honey was an absolutely gorgeous treat and complimented the spiced apple muffins perfectly while the Prosecco… well, if I have to be honest I do believe this was the first time I’d ever tried Prosecco and I love it! Lightly fruity and bubbly it too paired well with the spiced apple muffins. We both preferredย the gooseberry preserve with the home bake, but the strawberry one wasย nice and not overly sweet either.

The Fairtrade coffee blend is rather fantastic as well. I’ve been sipping a cup (from my lovely new grumpy men mug!) while I’ve been typing this post. We haven’t tried the tea yet, not being big tea drinkers, but I should expect it would live up to the quality of the rest of the hamper contents.

The hamper itself arrived at my rural island home fairly quickly after dispatch, well packaged in a gorgeous red box filled with compostable filling. I’m keeping the box itself for storage as it’s so pretty!

Spiced Apple Muffins

This Harvey Nichols Rise & Shine gift hamper is the kind of thing you would never buy for yourself (ok, I would never buy it for us) but it’s just the right sort of thing you might like to treat your friends or family to; those people you know who love to sit and indulge in long, slow breakfasts.

Harvey Nichols have quite a wide range of Christmas Hampers on offer, from this lower budget one (which is still rather dear at ยฃ65) to the more extravagant Ultimate Indulgence Hamper which would set you back a whopping ยฃ2,000 (if anyone fancies buying this for me I’d be eternally grateful!).

To find out more visit their website. You can also find them on Twitter and Facebook.

Spiced Apple Muffins

Spiced Apple Muffins

A warming, spiced apple muffin perfect for these cold mornings!
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins
Author: Elizabeth

Ingredients

For the muffin batter

  • 330 grams plain flour
  • 3 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp Shetland sea salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 115 grams caster sugar
  • 150 grams apple peeled and finely chopped
  • 75 grams butter melted
  • 1 free-range egg lightly beaten
  • 225 ml full fat milk

For the topping

  • 2 tbsp dark brown soft sugar
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
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Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 200 C/ 400 F and lightly grease 12 muffin tin holes (or line with paper cases)
  • Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg in a large bowl.
  • Stir in the caster sugar and add the chopped apple pieces.
  • Combine milk, beaten egg and melted butter in a measuring jug.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and fold until just combined.
  • Spoon into the prepared tins so that they are 3/4 full.
  • Combine brown sugar and spices in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the muffin batter.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, until risen and golden. A skewer, inserted in the centre of a muffin, will come out clean.
  • Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Eat warm with jam and honey.

Environmental Information

Tried this recipe?Mention @TangoRaindrop or tag #elizabethskitchendiary - we'd love to see what you've been making!

applelinkyLinking up with Laura over at I’d Much Rather Bake Than… and her fab Biscuit Barrel challenge. This month the theme is ‘Winter warmers’. I am also linking up with #recipeoftheweek by Emily at A Mummy Too and Tea Time Treats co-hosted by Karen over at Lavender & Lovage and Janie at Hedgecombers.

OTHER SPICED BAKES YOU MIGHT LIKE
Green Apple Fruit Cake and Pear & Ginger Muffins by Jacqueline
Spiced Apple Spelt Cake by Nazima
Bear Paws – Old Fashioned Molasses Cookies by Elizabeth
Spiced Apple, Plum & Red Wine Crumble by Emily

If you want to be kept up to date on my recipes, occasional craft tutorials, adventure stories and giveaways then please subscribe to my weekly newsletter; it gets sent out every Monday morning if there is new content. Your email address wonโ€™t be passed on to anyone, you will never be spammed and you are free to unsubscribe at any time, no questions asked. Make sure you confirm your subscription or you won’t receive the newsletter – if it hasn’t arrived check your junk mail folder.

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Elizabeth’s Kitchen Diary was sent a Harvey Nichols Rise & Shine Breakfast Hamper for review. All opinions expressed are our own. This is not a paid post.

Category: All Manner of Sweet Things, Baking, Breakfast, Product, Recipe, ReviewTag: #recipeoftheweek, Biscuit Barrel Challenge, breakfast, Harvey Nichols hamper, muffins, Review, Tea Time Treats

About Elizabeth Atia

Daydream adventurer. Expat Canadian. Foodie. Calls Shetland home.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Paul Wilson

    January 24, 2015 at 1:45 am

    I’ve still got plenty of apples left – this would work well.

    Reply
  2. Tracey Peach

    January 20, 2015 at 12:32 pm

    I have such a sweet tooth these look fab

    Reply
  3. Annaloa Hilmarsdotti

    January 16, 2015 at 11:32 pm

    I just love the idea of spiced apple muffins.

    Reply
  4. Danielle.a

    January 10, 2015 at 10:44 am

    Wow they look yummy. Wish I was a better cook to make them

    Reply
  5. Paul Wilson

    January 8, 2015 at 9:25 am

    Look so tasty.

    Reply
  6. Janie

    December 1, 2014 at 8:07 am

    Yum, Yum, Yum! Thanks so much for sharing with Tea Time Treats ๐Ÿ™‚
    Janie x

    Reply
  7. Pam Francis Gregory

    November 18, 2014 at 10:21 pm

    Love the look of these muffins – Making my mouth water!!

    Reply
  8. anna @ annamayeveryday

    November 18, 2014 at 5:27 pm

    What a great breakfast, spiced muffins and prosecco! Well done you for taking the time, we should all take the time to enjoy life like this more often!

    Reply
  9. Jen @ Blue Kitchen Bakes

    November 12, 2014 at 8:05 pm

    Oooh those look like the best breakfast muffins and what a fabulous hamper. I think I could quite happily start the day with a spiced apple muffin and a glass of Prosecco ๐Ÿ˜€

    Reply
  10. Emily

    November 12, 2014 at 10:29 am

    They look so good and that shot with the drizzle of honey is beyond swoonworthy.

    Reply
  11. Pam Francis Gregory

    November 10, 2014 at 6:53 pm

    These look amazing!

    Reply
  12. Colette B

    November 9, 2014 at 8:41 pm

    I have immense breakfast envy!! I love gooseberries so that sounds particularly appealing to me!
    Thanks for linking up with #TriedTested this week x

    Reply
  13. Winnie

    November 8, 2014 at 11:57 pm

    These muffins look fantastic!!
    My family can’t never refuse desserts with apples ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  14. Sam Williams

    November 8, 2014 at 3:37 pm

    Your apple muffins look delicious

    Reply
  15. DANIELLE VEDMORE

    November 7, 2014 at 10:35 pm

    Ooooh yummy! Perfect for A/W. And I agree about the prosecco ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  16. Sheila Reeves

    November 7, 2014 at 10:47 am

    Those muffins look as good, if not better than the hamper! Thanks for sharing the recipe, it’s going into my “want to try” folder

    Reply
  17. kellie@foodtoglow

    November 5, 2014 at 9:40 pm

    What an awesome thing to review – lucky you! I live rather too close to Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh and can sometimes be found mooching around the food hall. I do like the quality of everything of their own brand that I have tried so I know that their hampers would be fabulous. I have the old men mugs and the young child with the chocolate smeared face espresso cups! Apparently the child is one of the original owner’s sons, who is now a young man. Probably an embarrassed young man now.

    Reply
  18. joiedevivrebypia

    November 5, 2014 at 8:40 am

    Wow, these look yummy! Perfect for a relaxed breakfast and I just love these autumn-y spices you used ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      November 5, 2014 at 2:53 pm

      Thank you ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  19. Kate @ Veggie Desserts

    November 4, 2014 at 11:01 pm

    What I wouldn’t give to have a leisurely morning in bed with that hamper! I might even share with my husband if he’s lucky! Your muffins sound divine, too mmmmm

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      November 5, 2014 at 2:53 pm

      It was a rather extravagant lunch – next time I’m not so sure I’d share either ๐Ÿ˜€

      Reply
  20. Katherine GG

    November 4, 2014 at 8:45 pm

    Those Spiced Apple Muffins look gorgeous. I love anything with cinnamon so I’ll be trying this recipe for sure!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      November 5, 2014 at 2:52 pm

      Let me know what you think of it if you do!

      Reply
  21. Heather Haigh

    November 4, 2014 at 5:26 pm

    Oh those look and sound fabulous, spices and apples and a sweet crunchy topping – oh yes!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      November 5, 2014 at 2:52 pm

      Thanks Heather ๐Ÿ™‚ I used extra dark brown sugar to give it that lovely brown top ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  22. VaiChin @RamblingThroughParenthood

    November 4, 2014 at 3:12 pm

    That hamper would make a perfect Christmas present. I wouldn’t mind if I got given it as a pressie myself ๐Ÿ˜‰ Stopping by from #triedtested

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      November 5, 2014 at 2:51 pm

      It really would! Such an indulgence ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  23. Jo of Jo's Kitchen

    November 4, 2014 at 1:46 pm

    Wish someone would give me this hamper for Christmas. Looks amazing! ๐Ÿ™‚ #TriedTested

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      November 5, 2014 at 2:19 pm

      It’d make a fantastic gift – tell everyone you know and drop not-so-subtle hints!

      Reply
  24. Kim Carberry

    November 4, 2014 at 12:40 pm

    Oh wow! That hamper looks amazing!! Those muffins look very tasty too x

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      November 5, 2014 at 2:19 pm

      It really was an amazing hamper! Glad you like the look of the muffins too! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  25. Nazima

    November 4, 2014 at 12:26 pm

    ooh those muffins are very tempting and how lucky are you to have that hamper to review.
    lovely pictures too

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      November 5, 2014 at 2:18 pm

      Thanks Nazima ๐Ÿ™‚ We were lucky the sun came out as it’s been dull and drizzly now for what seems like forever!

      Reply
  26. Mummy Melton

    November 4, 2014 at 12:17 pm

    yum the muffins look tasty. The hamper looks great, I’ve always wanted a nice christmas hamper but they are usually quite expensive #triedtested

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      November 5, 2014 at 2:17 pm

      There are some more affordable ones out there, I’ve seen lately. I think shopping around is a good idea. This one is rather in the pricey range, but I reckon it’s well worth it for the treat.

      Reply
  27. Jan Bennett @GlugofOil

    November 4, 2014 at 12:09 pm

    Oh WOW is all I have to say about these!!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      November 5, 2014 at 2:16 pm

      haha, thanks Jan! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  28. Katie Bryson

    November 4, 2014 at 11:54 am

    What a glorious breakfast it sounds like you both had… those muffins looks splendid! I adore prosecco – even more than champagne as it’s just so light and drinkable!!!! Hampers are such a luxury, but I love giving them as gifts to family and friends because it’s such an incredible treat ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      November 5, 2014 at 2:16 pm

      Thanks Katie, yes it was rather lovely! I want to do it again now! I agree about the hampers being a great gift for loved ones. It’s nice to treat folk. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  29. mama syder

    November 4, 2014 at 11:42 am

    I do love a nice hamper and I would be totally thrilled to receive this as a gift. Those muffins look divine!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      November 5, 2014 at 2:15 pm

      I’d love to receive a hamper like this as a gift – such a great indulgence for a friend or family member! Glad you like the look of the muffins ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  30. Johanna GGG

    November 4, 2014 at 11:31 am

    You sound like you needed a nice brunch together – and the muffins sound great – nice bit of pampering

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      November 5, 2014 at 2:14 pm

      We really did. We ought to do it more often, but there’s always so much to do… so little time..

      Reply
  31. Kate @ Family Fever

    November 4, 2014 at 11:13 am

    Oh ym goodness, they sound amazing – perfect for this time of year! Thanks for linking up with #TriedTested

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      November 5, 2014 at 2:14 pm

      My pleasure, thanks for hosting such a great linky!

      Reply
  32. Rosie @Eco-Gites of Lenault

    November 4, 2014 at 10:34 am

    I love spices in cake which is why I was eating Spiced Pumpkin Cake for breakfast. Well it would have been a shame to waste the slice I had cut in order to take a photo wouldn’t it?!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      November 5, 2014 at 2:10 pm

      Mmm that sounds like a superb breakfast! I agree it would have been a shame to waste it ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  33. Jeanne Horak-Druiff

    November 4, 2014 at 10:33 am

    What a way to wake up! I do love me a good hamper, especially one with bubbles. And your post has reminded me that it has been WAY to long since I last baked muffins!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      November 5, 2014 at 2:09 pm

      I’ve never had a hamper with bubbles in it before – this was a rather lovely treat! I want to do it again ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  34. Julie's Family Kitchen

    November 3, 2014 at 11:03 pm

    I just love the sound of these muffins, perfect for a lazy weekend breakfast.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      November 5, 2014 at 2:07 pm

      Thanks Julie, they certainly are. There’s not much work involved making them either – great for a proper lazy morning!

      Reply
  35. Cat Culmer

    November 3, 2014 at 3:30 pm

    That looks truly delicious! Can I please come to your house to eat?!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      November 5, 2014 at 2:07 pm

      Heehee, the door’s always open! ๐Ÿ˜€

      Reply
  36. tracey bowden

    November 3, 2014 at 3:26 pm

    That hamper looks amazing but for the price tag that’s what I would expect! A bit out of my price range but still I would to receive one as a gift (please santa). Your spiced apple muffins have totally got my mouth watering and really want to give them a whirl despite being an awful cook but they sound and look sooo good

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      November 5, 2014 at 2:06 pm

      It’s out of my price range too, but it’s such a fab idea for a gift! Glad you like the look of the muffins, they were rather scrummy!

      Reply
  37. Laura

    November 3, 2014 at 3:09 pm

    Ohhhh these look so fantastic! I adore the swirly topping and can just imagine taking a huge bite of one fresh from the oven, not being able to wait until I got to the table and simply overnight in the kitchen until I finished it off. Thanks so much for sharing with the Biscuit Barrel!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      November 5, 2014 at 2:04 pm

      Thanks Laura ๐Ÿ™‚ Thanks for hosting such a great, inspirational challenge to link up to!

      Reply

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About Elizabeth

Adventurer. Expat Canadian. Foodie. Loves bikes. Calls Shetland home. Read Moreโ€ฆ

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“Every day is another chance to get stronger, to eat better, to live healthier, and to be the best version of you.”

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