Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, slightly firm
• 4 teaspoons lemon zest, freshly grated
• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 cup superfine sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 4 teaspoons granulated sugar, for garnish

Directions

1. 1

   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, poppy seeds, baking powder,salt, and baking soda.

2. 2

   Cut butter into 1" pieces and place in mixing bowl with paddle attachment.Add lemon zest.

3. 3

   Mix on medium speed about 1 minute. Drizzle in the oil the mix 1 minute more.

4. 4

   Add sugar, 2 to 3 tbsp at a time, scrape bowl as needed.

5. 5

   Add eggs, one at a time beating well after each addition.

6. 6

   In a small bowl combine buttermilk, lemon juice and vanilla.

7. 7

   Reduce mixer to low and add flour mix alternately with liquids, starting and ending with flour.

8. 8

   Mix until just blended.

9. 9

   Spoon into prepared muffin cups until almost full.

10. 10

    Sprinkle top of each muffin with scant 1/2 tsp of granulated sugar.

11. 11

    Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until tops are golden and spring back to the touch.