OATMEAL MUFFINS

Don't use instant oats here, go for rolled oats. topping makes about double the crumble you'll need for these muffins, you can keep it in the freezer until the next time you want a crumble top on something. Crumble, then freeze. Also, this recipe yields a slightly awkward 1 1/2 dozen muffins. Bake all at once, or bake a one-dozen pan batch, keep the leftover batter in the refrigerator for a couple days, then bake the rest.

Crumble topping:
 3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
scant 1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
Muffin batter:
1 cup rolled oats
3/4 cup  unbleached all purpose flour
3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
scant 1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
7/8 cup unsalted butter, plus more for greasing pan
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cups plain yogurt
2 large eggs, whisked

Preheat oven to 350F / 180C. Butter one or two muffin pans generously. You don't need paper liners. Place oven racks in top third of oven.
Get your crumble topping for your muffins started first. Use a fork to combine the flour, oats, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Stir in the melted butter. Divide the mixture into three portions, and use your hands to form into three flat-ish patties. Place the patties in a bowl in the freezer for about ten minutes.
Now, onto the muffin batter. In a medium bowl combine the oats, flours, baking soda, and sea salt. Set aside.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar. Whisk in the yogurt, and then the eggs. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry and stir just until combined. Do your best to avoid over mixing.
Pour the batter into the muffin tins, filling each 3/4 full. Pull the crumble from the freezer and break it up into small and medium pieces. Sprinkle the top of each muffin with crumble, place the muffins in the oven and bake 30 - 35 minutes or until tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool just a minute or so, then turn out onto a cooling rack - important!
Makes about 1 1/2 dozen muffins.

Prep time: 10 min - Cook time: 35 min