Cheesy Bacon Muffins

I was visiting a friend recently to assist her in launching a huge fund raising function. On the day before the event, we were to join the decor team at the venue to oversee the setup. The sound team, and various other parties were also scheduled to drop by. As the venue was a little removed from the town and ready access to shops, we decided that we would prepare a refreshment station with snacks for the different role players. I volunteered to bake some muffins. The problem was that I did not have any recipe books with me. This simply meant that I had to experiment a little and that is how these muffins came to be late at night during a very busy week. I am very happy to report that they met with everyone's satisfaction and turned out quite delicious. The cheese and bacon ensured that they were lovely and moist, as well as flavorful, the ideal snack for people on the go.

The function was held at a beautiful venue, called Heavenly Events, on the Vaal River, just outside Vanderbijlpark.

This is the view from the venue. Is it not spectacular?

Before sharing the recipe, I want to say a little about the event. This was to raise funds for the We Care Fund administered by Melette Els Praktyk in Sasolburg. This fund was established to assist individuals who can not afford therapeutic counseling but are in dire need of it. Since the establishment of the fund, it has helped numerous people coming from a variety of difficult situations. Without sharing any personal details and sticking to very broad terms, I can mention a few of these cases. Recently the fund helped a mother who lost a young boy to cancer. She did not have medical aid and her funds had been exhausted by the medical expenses of the illness. Her grief during the process and after the passing of her son can only be imagined. Fortunately she was able to get some assistance as a result of this fund that made it possible for her to get the necessary therapy. The fund has also managed to assist women who found themselves in abusive situations without lack of funds as a result of their abusers controlling the medical aid and/or finances of the household. The fund also assisted individuals who had lost their jobs due to retrenchments or illness. Often these individuals fall into depression and when they need it most, they can not afford counseling. This is when the We Care Fund steps in to assist. The We Care Fund also assist children who are in need of therapy or counseling, but come from households where this can not be afforded, or where it is frowned upon. I can mention numerous other examples, but I'm sure you get the idea. If you would like to assist the We Care Fund with very welcome donations, you can contact Melette Els at 082 776 1536 or email her at melette.els@gmail.com. More details for the Melette Els Praktyk can be found at the bottom of this blog. You can make direct contributions to the fund into this account: 

We Care ClubABSAAcc No: 929 954 878 5Branch: 632005

Time to share the recipe, which is what this blog is really about. You will need 100 g bacon or bacon bits. Chop the bacon into bits, if you did not start out with bacon bits.

Chop 1 onion finely.

Fry the bacon in a little oil.

Fry the onion in a little oil as well.

Grate about 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) Cheddar Cheese.

You will also need 2 cups (500 ml) cake flour, 3 teaspoons (15 ml) baking powder, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Italian Herbs. The salt is optional as the cheese and bacon are naturally salty. Only add this if you like very salty foods.

Mix all the dry ingredients together in a large bowl.

Add the grated cheese and mix well.

Add the bacon and onion and mix well.

In a measuring jug, measure 1 cup (250 ml) milk, 80 ml cooking oil and break two eggs into the jug. Do not mix.

Add the wet ingredients and mix with dry ingredients.

Line baking trays with paper cups and spoon the mixture into the paper cups.

Bake in a preheated oven for about 30 minutes at 180 °C.

You will find the muffins lovely and moist.

The recipe makes roughly 16-18 muffins.

A final word about this special function is a very deserving special thanks to the donors and supporters who made this function possible. In no particular order, I would like to thank Waldo from Olga's for the decor. They delivered far and above what they quoted for and what the event budgeted for, and really went out of their way to make this a very special evening for everyone involved. You can contact them at 011 467 7870.

The tables and hall looked absolutely spectacular as a result of the efforts of the decor team.

Flordis also deserves a special mention. This company truly carry the health of our people at heart, not only physically and mentally, but also emotionally. Every year that this event is hosted, Flordis has come through with sponsorships, prizes and support. What a wonderful group of people! You can not help loving these friendly and supportive ladies. You can contact them at 044 874 2927 or email juanita@flordis.co.za.

This beautiful team of volunteers ran around all night, handing out prizes and delivering auction items. In the photo we have the Bush Babies with Melette Els.

Christo Bezuidenhout from ABS Productions volunteered to do the sound and music, donating his time and skills in the interest of the fund. Christo can be contacted for recordings, backtracks and public performances at 082 327 6575 or email musiek@ngweltevreden.co.za.

Johan Badenhorst from Voetspore was the guest speaker for the evening. Here he is with Melette Els, hostess of the event, and Quinny, Meltte's trusted guide dog.

I am proud to say that Miekie from A Pretty Talent was also present with some donations.

Melette Els (Clinical Social Work) can be contacted via the webpage www.m-e.co.za, or by email at melette.els@gmail.com, or by phone at 082 776 1536.
Melette Els B.A. (SocSc) M. (Th) 
BHF Pr Nr.: 089 000 00 28754 SACSSP Reg.Nr.: 10-17310

Marietjie Uys (Miekie) is a published author. You can buy the books here:
You can purchase Designs By Miekie 1 here.

Jy kan Kom Ons Teken en Verf Tuinstories hier koop.
Jy kan Kom Ons Kleur Tuinstories In hier koop.
Jy kan Tuinstories hier koop.
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