Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Perfect Pairing: Spring loaded scoop

Finally!  The start of summer is here!  No wonder record levels of people are hitting the roads this weekend.  This winter made everyone crazy for warm weather and warm weather activities.  I can’t wait!

There has been a lack of posting in May on Perfecting the Pairing, mainly because of an  incredible trip to France.  I just got home a couple days ago and I am adjusting to real life.  I was in Paris for work and then extended for a few days of vacation in Nice.  I studied for a semester in Nice and this was my first time back.  I still adore it!  The trip was absolutely wonderful, mainly because I was joined by my fabulous boyfriend.  Talk about romantic!  Some highlights??  Well don’t mind if I do!

Exploring Paris, walks along the Seine, and Montmarte

Top of the Eiffel Tower at sunset

Speaking of the Eiffel Tower, my welcome reception dinner room (I was the meeting planner) had a pretty insane view.

The food and wine, obviously!

Clearly we hated this meal.

We finished our time in Paris with a dinner cruise on the Seine.  Wow.  Just.... wow.

My favorite part of Nice is the old section of the town, Vieux Nice.  Filled with tiny streets, old buildings, shops, and charm.

Eze is a medieval village between Nice and Monaco and is pretty much heaven on earth. 

 

This would be the most expensive mojito and gin and tonic in history but totally worth it because it came with a view.

On our last morning we went to the flower and produce markets in Vieux Nice.  

We couldn’t resist buying some strawberries to enjoy with our baguette sandwiches.  I forgot strawberries could be so good.  

Until next time Nice!

So, it was pretty a pretty amazing trip.  Fortunately, the best part of vacation (the man) came back to Chicago with me!

Muffins!  One weekend morning I was craving muffins and came up with these lemon poppy seed muffins with a lemon glaze.  They were so easy and tasty.  The glaze puts them over the top!

I have talked about spring loaded scoops on here many times, but I am going to keep pushing them.  They are the perfect tool for muffins, cookies, truffles, etc.  Every kitchen needs a set in various sizes!

One year ago on Perfecting the Pairing:  Sweet Potato and Sausage Breakfast Hash

Two years ago on Perfecting the Pairing:  Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Lindsay at Perfecting the Pairing

Printable Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 Tb lemon zest
• 2 Tb lemon juice
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 container (5.3 oz) plain Greek yogurt
• 1 Tb poppy seeds
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 Tb lemon juice
• 1 1/2 Tb milk
• 1 tsp lemon zest

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.  In a large bowl whisk the 1 cup sugar with the eggs and vanilla.  Whisk in the melted butter and oil, stir until combined.  Add the tablespoon of lemon zest and the two tablespoons of lemon juice, stir until combined.

In a separate bowl combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.  Stir with a fork to combine.  Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture in batches, folding with a spatula between each to combine.  Add the Greek yogurt and poppy seeds and fold to combine.

Line a muffin tin with muffin or cupcake liners (recipe makes 12-15 muffins).  Scoop the batter into the liners and bake for 13-16 minutes until set in the middle.

While the muffins are in the oven make the glaze.  In a small bowl whisk the powdered sugar, one and half tablespoons of lemon juice and milk, and lemon zest.  

Allow the muffins to cool then top each with the glaze.

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