Alien Muffins! (aka, pigs in a blanket, muffin-tin-style)

 These muffin-style pigs in a blanket had us all laughing - and happily enjoying. My youngest wanted to try making pigs in a blanket, but easier - by baking them in a muffin tin. Worked great! And lots of fun had by all. Enjoy!

Alien muffins, fresh from the oven!

Alien Muffins!

Preheat oven to 425 - 450 F.  Butter 12 muffin tins.

Open a package of hot dogs: 

1 package hot dogs (I like to use no nitrate ones)

And cut each hotdog into 3 or 4 pieces, then set aside: 

Typically 10 hot dogs are in a package, so each alien muffin will get just a bit less than one hot dog. 

In a mixer, combine: 

3 1/2 cup Kristin's Gluten-Free Flour Mix

2 tsp xanthan gum (there is some in the flour mix, but you'll want a little extra)

1 Tbsp rapid-rise/quick yeast

1 tsp salt

2 tsp garlic powder

1 Tbsp dried onion flakes (optional)

1/2 - 1 tsp red chili pepper flakes (optional)

1 tsp freeze-dried or dried cilantro (optional)

Add, and beat 2-3 minutes, until nice and smooth: 

2 1/4 cup milk, a little warmer than room temperature (lactose-free works well)

2 eggs

1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional)

Scoop the batter into the buttered muffin tins, filling each ~halfway.  Press hot dog pieces into batter. 

Brush the alien muffins with:

2 - 3 Tbsp melted butter

Alien muffins, buttered and rising. 

Bake at 425-450 F for ~15 minutes, until a dark golden brown.  Remove from oven. After a couple minutes, remove from the muffin tin and set on wire rack.  Serve with ketchup and mustard, as desired. Cooled leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, or they can be frozen and reheated.  Enjoy!

They definitely are a little wonkier to eat compared to the regular pigs in a blanket, but they made everyone so happy. Worth it! 

Alien Muffins recipe by Successfully Gluten Free (aka, pigs in a blanket, muffin-tin style)