February 2nd is Groundhog’s Day. The day when Puxatawney Phil predicts the weather for the rest of Winter.

The movie is a classic. The day repeats itself over and over again starting with breakfast at Tip Top Cafe’. Phil orders the usual: coffee, pancakes with maple syrup and bacon.

I did some research and found a recipe that combines all these flavors into a delicious muffin. I’m happy to say they are delicious!

Thank you, Marissa Bate of marissarothkopf.substack.com

What You’ll Need:

2 cups whole wheat flour (I used regular)
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 cup milk (2 percent or whole milk preferred)
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon maple extract
6 to 8 pieces of bacon, cooked and crumbled
OR
1 cup fresh or frozen (but not thawed) blueberries

What You’ll Do:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 12-hole muffin tin.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar.
3. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Let the butter sit for 5 minutes to cool
   slightly before proceeding with the recipe.
4. While whisking, add the milk in a slow stream until combined. Whisk in the egg and
   vanilla and maple extracts.
5. Fold in the flour and the bacon (or blueberries) until just combined. Don’t overmix or the
   result will be bouncy muffins.
6. Divide the batter evenly into the baking tin and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Let the muffins cool for ten minutes in the pan before removing them to a rack to cool completely.
7. Spread the glaze evenly over the tops or serve plain with butter and syrup.
   Maple-Coffee Glaze.
   What You’ll Need:
   1/4 cup butter
   2 tablespoons half-and-half or milk 2 tablespoons strong coffee
   2 tablespoons maple syrup
   optional: 1/2 teaspoon maple extract 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted What You’ll Do:
8. In a medium size microwavable bowl, melt the butter. Let the butter sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly before proceeding with the recipe.
9. Into the butter, whisk in the half-and-half, coffee, maple syrup and extract until the mixture is creamy and uniform in color.
10. Whisk in the confectioners’ sugar until blended and no lumps of sugar remain. Add more half-and-half as needed to create an easily spreadable consistency
11. Enjoy over and over again.

Movies provide lots of ideas for romantic memories—whether food or activities.

What is a favorite movie your spouse enjoys? Why not plan a meal or an activity around it and see if they aren’t blessed.

Here’s to 6 more weeks of winter…I think I’ll have a another muffin!