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Muffin Monday: Lemon

Some might say I am obsessed, some might say I am crazy, some might add I have gone wild…I will just call myself smart: when your grocery guy hands you a case of lemons at half price, you just buy it… He does that trick once in a while. I fondly remember 2 cases of pears I worked my way through a couple of years ago when I was a the restaurant. The pear special of the week quickly became a joke between the waiters and me…but I disgress.
Back to yesterday when I brought my Precious (insert Lord of the Ring voice here) cargo home. I had to start somewhere and since we love our relaxing Sunday brunches, I made these little puppies. They turned out super puckery thanks to the couple of changes I made to the original recipe.

I use the base a lot in baking muffins as it allows for number of additions such as fruit zests, dried fruits, nuts, etc… I don’t know why or when I started dipping my muffins in a mixture of butter and sugar when they come out of the oven, but it adds a little dimension to a plain muffin. No matter what is inside your muffin, you can dip nut mufins in a mixture of melted butter, cinnamon, cardamom, pumpkin pie spices, fruit muffins in melted butter and lemon juice. Always sprinkle with granulated sugar and allow to set. One of our favorites is a plain muffin dipped in a combo of spices that make them taste like donuts.

Lemon Muffins, adapted from All Recipes:

Yields 12

1/2 cup plain yogurt
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
(optional)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
grated zest of 1 lemon

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 12 cup muffin tin, or line with paper liners.
In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, oil, lemon juice, egg, and, if using, lemon extract. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest. Add the wet ingredients to the dry, and mix until just blended. Spoon batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle remaining sugar over the tops for decoration, if desired.
Bake for 15 to 17 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the top springs back when lightly touched. Cool muffins in the tin on a wire rack.

Dipping the Tops:

1/4 lemon juice

1/4 cup melted butter

1 cup sugar

Dip each muffin in the lemon juice, butter and sugar. Let set.

A few days ago I was reading Is My Blog Burning when I came across this event held by Elena at Experiments , and even though I am early I think these muffins would be a great way to start the day on Monday.

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Comments


Freya February 19, 2007 um 7:38 am

Like me, you love lemon! I particularly enjoy lemon muffins and yours look delicious!


Anonymous February 19, 2007 um 8:38 am

Making anything taste like donuts – even a perfectly respectable muffin – seems like a clever plan to me. I have a lemon cake recipe which pours a syrup over the cake after it has been baked – but the idea of adding butter and spices is interesting.


Veron February 19, 2007 um 1:48 pm

Definitely a great way to start monday, Helen. I’d love to have that with my cofee this morning.


MyKitchenInHalfCups February 19, 2007 um 4:20 pm

Your grocery guy is a gem! What a wonderful problem to have.
These muffins look fabulous! I love the idea/trick of the butter and sugar! Must try that soon.


Lis February 19, 2007 um 8:38 pm

I’ve never had a lemon muffin before! I want one! I really like how you dip them.. especially for someone like me, who removes the muffin top and saves it for last – knowing it was all crusted in buttery sugar makes it so much better! hehe

xoxo

PS – I’m quite upset over the whole Ivonne thing. I thought I was the one. *sigh* 😛


Brilynn February 19, 2007 um 9:45 pm

That top dipping tip is genius!


Anonymous February 19, 2007 um 10:27 pm

Another lovely lemon recipe, Helen! I agree that the butter/sugar trick would be reminiscent of what a sugar donut would taste like – very likely part of the delicious appeal!


Connie February 19, 2007 um 11:11 pm

i love muffin monday. and i can’t wait to see what else you make with all those lemons!


Anonymous February 20, 2007 um 2:11 am

I love lemons! I know this is weird but I grew up loving the sour and salty over the sweet – strange for a kid. I think what I loved most was the *Ooooh!* reaction and the sudden wake-up-call-thrill I got from sticking a wedge of lemon in my mouth!

I can imagine what a *Zing!* these muffins will give you in the morning! Thank you for your fabulous contribution to Muffin Monday!


wheresmymind February 20, 2007 um 2:35 am

I wish our grocery store was a bit more personable


Mercotte February 20, 2007 um 2:39 am

Là c’est l’heure de mon petit dèjeuner , tu me tentes tu me tentes!!!


Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) February 20, 2007 um 11:23 am

Lemon muffins sound absolutely lovely! At this time of year I really crave the fresh lemon flavor in everything.


Anonymous February 20, 2007 um 1:05 pm

hummmmmm slurp slurp….du citron ..j’adooore


Parisbreakfasts February 20, 2007 um 5:16 pm

YUM All those lemons
Where do you live
Where is this grocer..?
These lemon dessert all look wonderful!


krista February 20, 2007 um 6:00 pm

Lemon muffins my favorite!


Anonymous February 20, 2007 um 9:20 pm

Those sound like that would be the perfect thing to start your morning. They look great!


Anonymous March 2, 2007 um 10:06 am

It looks so airy, just perfect!


kiki March 6, 2007 um 11:47 am

I love lemons and muffins. I will taste them soon!


Anonymous May 11, 2007 um 3:13 pm

My family loves all things lemon as well, so I will be trying these lucious little delights very soon…I don’t know where you live, but if you ever would like a free box of lemons, let me know. We have so many lemons that most end up in the trash (I try to use them, but I just end up with limoncello, preserved lemons, and a freezer full of citrus!). We have both Meyers and regular lemons (and key limes and oranges and grapefruit). I have mailed them out to other avid cooks…


Dazy April 8, 2009 um 8:12 am

These muffins are awfully mouth-watering! And would keep me busy in the kitchen, again. My cousins are going to visit our place next week. I think this would be just perfect for them and these muffins sound so tasty.


Reni December 12, 2009 um 9:45 am

I just made your lemon muffin. Wonderful.. Perfect afternoon snack with tea or coffee. Thanks for sharing Helen.
Oh, btw I use 1 cup AP Flour and 1/2 cup rolled oat.


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