Strawberry-Rhubarb Muffins

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Heat the oven to 400 degrees and line a standard muffin tin with paper liners. (If not using a nonstick pan, spray the exposed metal with nonstick cooking spray.)

2. Step 2

   Combine the strawberries and rhubarb in a medium bowl. Add 1 tablespoon sugar; toss and set aside. Place the rest of the sugar (1 cup plus 3 tablespoons), along with the melted butter and eggs, in a large bowl. 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, and whisk just until smooth.

3. Step 3

   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.)

4. Step 4

   Transfer the fruit mixture to a strainer set over a bowl or the sink. Toss with a spoon, allowing any 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.

5. Step 5

   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 and bake for 18 to 23 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean and the muffins spring back when lightly pressed.

6. Step 6

   Let the muffins 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 and immediately run the knife very gently under the edges of the muffin tops to release them from the pan, being careful not to separate them from the bottoms.