Glazed Lemon Poppyseed Surprise Muffins
Makes 12-15
Muffins:
1 pound yellow summer squash (to make 2 cups puree)
Zest of one lemon*
¾ c. sugar
1 egg
¼ c. vegetable oil or melted butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. almond extract
2 c. flour
½ tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 Tbsp. poppy seeds
Glaze:
Juice of 1 lemon
Sugar
Preheat the oven to 375°. Lightly coat the inside of 12-15 muffin cups with cooking spray. Wash and trim the summer squash; cut into 1” chunks. Place in blender or food processor along with lemon zest, sugar, egg, oil or butter, and extracts. Puree until smooth. In a medium-sized bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, and poppy seeds. Stir until seeds are evenly distributed. Pour lemon-squash mixture over top; stir until just combined and there are no flour pockets left. Divide between muffin cups, and bake for about 20 minutes, until lightly browned and top springs back when lightly pressed.
While muffins are baking, make the glaze: measure your lemon juice, put it in a microwave-safe cup, mug, or small bowl, and add double that amount of sugar. For instance, if you have 3 Tbsp. juice, add 6 Tbsp. sugar. Stir. Heat in the microwave until it just comes to a boil, and stir again. Set aside to cool until the muffins are done.
When the muffins are baked and still hot, pour or brush the lemon glaze over top. Use it all up!
*If you don’t have a fresh lemon, instead of the fresh zest, use any of these instead: ½ tsp. lemon extract, 2 tsp. dried zest, or 12 drops food-grade lemon essential oil.