Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins Recipe

Hello, Dear Readers, 

Here we are welcoming Holy Thursday! I hope you’re having a good day wherever you find yourself reading this blog. My coffee hit the spot this morning, and paired with the Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins I made last night, I started the day on the right foot! 

Throughout the past year, we have been walking with family and friends who have faced waves of tragedy, health scares, and disappointing news. This has been incredibly daunting for someone like me, who is positive and optimistic and seeks the best in every situation. In my 26 years, I’ve never felt such a constant weight of emotions looming over my shoulders. It’s simply a season of wading through it, and I am thankful for such a great support system and the grace that is unearned but freely given by Jesus.  If you, too, have been in the muddy waters of anxiety, stress, and disappointment, you are not alone! 

In the past year, I can recall more times than I can count when I felt shocked to silence, asking, “Lord, what do I do for this person? I have no idea how to help.” I am slowly but surely learning I am not a fixer - my solution and advice do literally nothing. That fact is both sobering and humbling. Left to my own devices - I am not the light for this person going through hardship - He is. This is where the oh-so-tricky surrender and trust come into play—entrusting the Lord with our prayers and petitions, and accepting that not every prayer receives a miraculous resolution. Life brings us experiences, and while I hope for all to be well, that is just not the reality.

Living well and being a genuine friend means listening above speaking, leaving room for grief, and showering those you love with prayers. 

When life gives you lemons, bake in the kitchen! Now, that sounds like a Lady K quote, for sure. I just discovered this recipe: these lemon poppy seed muffins are moist, light, and tart. The poppy seeds give them the perfect crunch factor/texture. 

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins 

Recipe adapted from Mari Wagner at West Coast Catholic

Ingredients: 

• 1 1/4th cups granulated sugar

• Zest of 2 Lemons

• ½ Cup (1 Stick) Unsalted butter, melted

• 2 eggs, room temperature

• ¼ Cup Milk

• ¼ Cup Sour Cream (or sub Greek Yogurt)

• 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice

• 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract - Interested in making your own vanilla extract? Check out this previous blog: https://www.ladykcreative.com/post/homemade-vanilla-extract

• 2 Cups All Purpose Flour

• 1 Tbsp Baking Powder

• ½ Teaspoon Salt

• 3 Tablespoons Poppy Seeds

Directions:

1) Remove your two eggs from the refrigerator and let them rest on the kitchen counter to reach room temperature (approximately 2 hours).

2) Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease a muffin tin and line with cupcake liners. Set aside.

3) Take your two lemons and zest them. Save the lemons to squeeze fresh juice for step 6.

4) In a microwave-safe bowl, cover the butter and melt it in the microwave.

5) Prepare a large mixing bowl. Add the melted butter, sugar, and lemon zest. Mix well with a whisk.

6) Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition. Add the sour cream, milk, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix well.

7) Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the large bowl and mix.

8) Fold in the poppy seeds until they are evenly distributed.

9) Scoop batter into muffin tins, filling the muffin liners to about 3/4 of the way.

10)  *You will bake these for 5 minutes at 425 degrees, then reduce the heat to 375 degrees and bake for 10-12 more minutes, until slightly golden.

11)  Allow to cool before eating and enjoy! 

Lady K’s One Thing 

I am an avid book reader; please do not take this lightly when I say I am only three chapters into reading this book, and it has already been LIFE CHANGING! I kid you not, I have shed tears and am only pages into the book…I share with you Sincerely Stoneheart by Emily Wilson Hussem. This book is not a fun, light-hearted read - it’s a deep dive into the lies we’ve been told as women that come straight from the enemy, Satan. Emily started writing the book as a personal therapy exercise following 2020. The idea was sparked by C.S. Lewis's Screwtape Letters. That book is a classic and thought-provoking, as it follows a Senior Demon writing instructions to a Junior Demon on how to lead the Faithful away from Christ. 

It’s deeply introspective, and having a journal on hand will be helpful as you dive into the book. This would be a wonderful book to read and discuss. Highly recommend grabbing a few copies to share/read/discuss Mother to Daughter, Sister to Sister, or girlfriend to girlfriend. It’s deep - it talks about wounds, so keep that in mind, as it will WORK on your heartstrings.

I heard Emily speak at a Steubenville of the Rockies Conference in 2015. I shouldn't be surprised that she is still incredibly wise and down-to-earth ten years later. As you can see, her ministry is on fire! I am extremely spellbound by this book and cannot wait to loan it to family and friends! The book was released last week and is available from multiple storefronts. https://emilywilsonministries.com/sincerelystoneheart#order

I’ll let a small excerpt from the book speak for itself…

Filled with HOPE,