Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

“Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine I couldn't earn it, I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God”

When I try to hide my guilt and shame from God, it is especially in those moments that He seeks me out and finds me through friends, family, and even strangers. I made these lemon poppy seed muffins when I went over to visit some dear people this weekend. Their hospitality (they made us biriyani!), kindness, and genuine concern shined throughout the day. We left feeling encouraged and so loved. And the icing on the muffin? Their son gave my baking venture a 10 out 10!

*Recipe*

Muffins

- 1 1/3 c all-purpose flour

- 1/2 t baking soda

- 1/2 t salt

- 1/4 c butter

- 3/4 c sugar + 1 t sugar, divided

- 2 eggs (room temperature)

- 1 t vanilla extract

- zest of 1 large lemon

- 1 T lemon juice

- 1 t olive oil

- 3/4 c plain greek yogurt (room temperature)

- 1 T poppy seeds

Icing

- 1 1/2 c powdered sugar

- 3-5 T heavy cream

- 1/2 t vanilla extract

1. Pre-heat your oven to 400F

2. In a large bowl cream together butter, 3/4 c sugar, and eggs until smooth.

3. In a small bowl add the lemon juice, olive oil, and 1 t sugar and mix until the sugar dissolves to make a lemon oil.

4. Add that lemon oil, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and greek yogurt and mix until smooth.

5. Add the dry ingredients, a third at a time, to wet ingredients and gently fold until combined. Stir in poppyseeds.

6. Line your muffin tin with cupcake liners and fill them 2/3 of the way and bake them for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once you take the muffins, let them cool for 5-10 minutes before icing them.

7. To make the icing, in a small bowl add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract and a little bit of the heavy cream and mix. add a teaspoon at a time, until you get your desired consistency. Drizzle or lather on your muffins and sprinkle on some more poppy seeds and lemon zest as a garnish.