Lemon Poppy Seed Pound Cake Muffins

I have spent the last week failing one after another so-called "healthy" muffin recipe.  You can substitute the sugar, or the flour, or the fat, but you can't change it all.  I am still experimenting, as a yummy hearty muffin is my favorite way to start my day, and means I can do the work once and have breakfast for two weeks in the freezer ready to go.

Needing a reprieve the from my hunt for the Mystic Healthy Muffin, I decided to try something a little more indulgent today.  Something sweet and rich and easy.  Lemon Poppy Seed Pound Cake Muffins.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour  (I buy this from the bulk bins at my grocer - you can use whole wheat or all AP flour)
• 2 generous teaspoons poppy seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine  (I used Earth Balance soy-free)
• 1 egg  (I use medium eggs to save fat/calories)
• 1 6 oz carton non-fat lemon yogurt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract

In small mixing bowl, stir together flour, poppy seeds, salt and baking soda. In large mixing bowl, cream sugar and butter. Beat in the egg. Add yogurt and extracts, stir to combine. Stir in flour mixture until dry ingredients are moistened. 
 

Spoon batter into well-greased muffin tins (about 2/3 full). Bake at 375 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center of muffin comes out clean. Cool muffins on wire rack 5 minutes before removing from pan.  

The finished product.  Sweet with crunchy bits of poppy seed and a lemony note that is divine.  These are like eating cake for breakfast.  And really, who doesn't love that?  If you prefer Orange Poppy Seed Muffins, use a plain or orange yogurt and 2 tablespoons of grated orange peel.


I often will add a tablespoon of ground flax (flax meal) for a nutritional boost, but it's not necessary. This is a 'small' recipe, but is easy to double or triple.  Makes 6 regular or 24 mini muffins.  Child approved, cheap and easy.