1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Thickly grease 9 muffin c or use paper liners.

2. Melt the butter and set aside.

3. In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and paprika.

4. In another bowl, combine the eggs, milk, melted butter, and thyme; whisk to blend.

5. Add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just moistened; do not mix until smooth. Mixture should be lumpy.

6. Place a heaped spoonful of batter into prepared c. Drop a few pieces of cheese over each, then top with another spoonful of batter. For even baking, half-fill any empty muffin c with water.

7. Bake until puffed and golden, about 25 mins. Let stand 5 mins before unmolding onto a rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

The Great American Baking Book - Isbn 0-8317-3971-1