Mix the wet ingredients well. Beat the egg, add milk, then add the oil. It's normal if it separates slightly. Tip: Always crack the egg into the mixing bowl first to avoid bad eggs or double yolks, which can affect the liquid ratio. I used avocado oil, but olive oil, rice bran oil, or sunflower oil are also fine. You can use butter, but the cake will be harder when cooled and less healthy for your arteries. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) for 10 minutes.

Sift all the dry ingredients. Sifting makes the dry ingredients finer. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, gently mixing each time. Tip: Sifting the flour helps mix the batter evenly. Do not overmix to avoid gluten development, which affects texture.

Take the frozen blueberries out of the freezer just before use. I love the sweet and tart taste of raspberries. Today, I'm adding raspberries to the blueberries for an upgrade. Tip: If you're wondering where to buy frozen berries, search online or check local stores like Carrefour or PX Mart. Buying in bulk is economical, but keep them sealed and frozen after use.

For using frozen berries, scoop them with a clean spoon onto a clean plate for easy access, especially during baking. Add 2/3 of the flavor ingredients (frozen blueberries and raspberries) to the batter. Gently fold with a spatula. Prepare the muffin molds. Tip: Fold gently to avoid breaking the berries. The anthocyanins in the berries enhance the dough's appearance and flavor. You can grease the baking pan or use paper liners like I do. This recipe makes 7 muffins.

Spoon the batter into each muffin cup. After filling, add the remaining 1/3 of the blueberries and raspberries on top for a prettier result. Tip: Fill the cups about 80% full. The baking powder will make them rise.

Place in the preheated oven on the middle rack. Tip: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes. Oven temperatures may vary, so adjust as needed. Baking is about caring for your creation. Check after 10 minutes to see how it's doing. The sound of the oven timer is always more pleasant than an alarm clock. Tip: Use a thin skewer to test; if it comes out clean, they're done.

A friend is visiting today, a great excuse to bake. Muffins need a box, just like a Buddha needs a robe. Anyone else want to visit for the New Year?