Ingredients

  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon each of baking soda and sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives
  • 2 tablespoons Spanish green olives, pitted and chopped
  • 1 1/4 packed cups farmstead cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Method

  • Preheat the oven to 400.
  • Line three 12-cup mini-muffin tins with paper or foil liners.
  • Alternatively, lightly butter and flour the cups, tapping out any excess flour.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the buttermilk with the egg.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk the flour with the cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, sugar and salt.
  • Whisk in the chives and olives and 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar.
  • Add the buttermilk mixture and the melted butter; stir just until moistened.
  • Spoon the batter into the prepared tins and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese.
  • Bake the muffins for about 16 minutes, or until golden.
  • Let cool in the tins for 10 minutes before serving.