Overbeating toughens quick breads.  To avoid overbeating, mix dry ingredients together in one bowl, liquid ingredients in a second bowl, and then combine the two.  Then stir enough to moisten the batter.

A tablespoon measuring spoon is ideal for filling mini muffin cups with batter.

If you are not filling all of the cups of a muffin pan with batter, fill the empty cups with 1/2 inch of water for more even baking.

Never use an electric mixer when making muffins.  It beats the batter too vigorously which will cause the muffins to be tough and have pointed, peaked tops.

Muffins can be baked one at a time by filling 1 paper cup liner with batter and microwaving on High for 45-60 seconds.