Why should you stir muffin mixture with a metal spoon?

Here's why:

* Overmixing: Metal spoons are often more rigid than rubber spatulas, which can lead to overmixing. Overmixing develops gluten in the batter, resulting in tough, dense muffins.

* Scraping: While metal spoons can scrape the bottom of the bowl, they aren't ideal for getting all the batter from the sides and corners. A rubber spatula is more flexible and efficient for this.

* Heat Transfer: Metal can transfer heat from your hands to the batter, which can be a problem for delicate ingredients like eggs.

Instead, use a rubber spatula for stirring muffin batter. It will:

* Gently mix the batter: This helps keep the muffins light and fluffy.

* Scrape the bowl clean: This ensures all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

* Avoid overmixing: Rubber spatulas are more flexible and won't overdevelop gluten.

Of course, if you find yourself without a rubber spatula, a metal spoon can work in a pinch. Just be extra careful to avoid overmixing!