National Muffin Day Inspires Insight | The Subtleties of Character Development

February 20, 2025 is National Muffin Day!

Muffins! Those flavorful and ingenious little baked cakes that can take on savory, tart, fruit filled, decadent fluff or creamy goodness! These versatile treats can even be topped with more yummy options like a crumble topping, a glaze or even frosted, but they can never be mistaken for a cupcake; they are distinctly a muffin.

It makes sense that National Muffin Day is named as a day to honor this fabulous mouthful of heaven, for which everyone seems to have a favorite. I’m always in search of the perfect beverage, breakfast item or sweet treat to pair with characters, events, or even action sequences when I'm writing. I’m convinced that the choice of a specific favorite muffin flavor may also hint at the personality of the character or the style of the event. Even if it isn’t necessarily an exact science, as an author I use this specifically in my cabinet of tools as it is listed on my character sheets because I believe in how a favorite treat makes the character feel as they enjoy them..

Examples of favorite muffins starting early as when monks wrote of “mofyns”. By the middle of the 18th century muffins were so common and widespread. They are listed in a 1747 cookbook by Hannah Glasse, “The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy”. Her recipe included currants.

There seems to be no conclusive evidence of who actually came up with a recipe for this fabulous food, but it has come along way and to now having its own day of celebration, focusing on its incredible diversity and deliciousness. The types of ingredients can be nearly limitless from muffin filled with eggs, ham, cheese and green onion to cherry filled with crème cheese. Other delectable options include banana nut, lemon, blueberry, carrot, spice, or even autumn favorite pumpkin with or without spice or crumbles. 

The more savory versions can be filled with beer-cheese, fresh herbs, pizza muffins filled with sauce and meats, cheeses, and vegetables, and even unusual versions that contain hot dogs, bacon, ham and sausage. Whatever style is your favorite, nothing goes better with a cup of your favorite blend of coffee, tea, hot beverage or even a smoothie, . Breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack, today is the day to celebrate with delectable creation of your favorite muffin so make one, buy some to share, or stop by your favorite bakery, and enjoy!

Until next time,

M. G.