Cheddar-Olive Mini Muffins

• FAST
• MAKE-AHEAD
• STAFF-FAVORITE
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 1 cup buttermilk
2. 1 large egg, lightly beaten
3. 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
4. 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
5. 1 teaspoon baking powder
6. 1/2 teaspoon each of baking soda and sugar
7. 1/4 teaspoon salt
8. 2 tablespoons chopped chives
9. 2 tablespoons Spanish green olives, pitted and chopped
10. 1 1/4 packed cups farmstead cheddar cheese, shredded
11. 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1. 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.
2. 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.