1 tbsp. demerara or turbinado sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
Pre-heat the oven to 400°F and line a standard muffin tin with paper liners.
If not using paper liners, spray the exposed metal with non-stick cooking spray.
In a small microwave safe container, melt the butter and allow to slightly cool.
Finely dice the strawberries and rhubarb.
In a medium bowl, combine the strawberries and rhubarb; add 1 tablespoon sugar; toss and set aside.
In a large bowl, place the rest of the sugar, along with the melted butter and eggs; whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds, until the yolks are pale and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Add the sour cream, vanilla and lemon zest; whisk just until smooth.
In another medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, baking soda and cinnamon.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Transfer the fruit mixture to a strainer, set over a bowl or the sink; toss with a spoon, allowing excess liquid to drain; the amount will vary depending on the ripeness of the berries.
Discard the liquid and add the fruit to the batter, folding it in until just combined.
Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, divide the batter among the 12 muffin cups; the cups will be very full and slightly heaping.
Sprinkle the tops with the demerara sugar.
Place in the pre-heated oven and bake for 18 to 23 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and the muffins spring back when lightly pressed.
Remove muffins from the oven and allow them to cool for 10 minutes in the pan; then carefully transfer them to a rack to cool completely.
The muffin tops may spread into each other slightly as they bake; simply cut the tops apart with a paring knife, when the muffins come out of the oven.
Should the muffins be stuck in the muffin tin, gently run the dull edge of a butter knife around the edge of each one to loosen.
Notes
Made these with 1 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon sugar on the fruit. Could probably reduce sugar even more with no issues to be healthier. Used 1-1/4 cups rhubarb and 3/4 strawberries.