ESPRESSO SPREAD:
4 oz. cream cheese, cubed
1 T. sugar
1/2 tsp. instant coffee granules
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 C. miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips
MUFFINS:
2 C. all-purpose flour
3/4 C. sugar
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1 C. milk
2 T. instant coffee granules
1/2 C. butter or margarine, melted
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 C. miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips
In a food processor or blender, combine the spread ingredients; cover and process until well blended. Cover and refrigerate until serving. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. In another bowl, stir milk and coffee granules until coffee is dissolved. Add butter, egg and vanilla; mix well. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in chocolate chips. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake at 375º for 17 to 20 minutes, or until muffins test done. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Serve with espresso spread.
Yield: About 14 muffins (1 cup spread).