Unfortunately, we had to do some major pruning on our lilac bush last fall because some type of disease had almost killed it. So, when I wanted to make Lilac Muffins last week, I wondered where I would get the blossoms.
No problem. My sweet mom had just what I needed. And since I wanted to surprise my children with something new (again!!), I began my lilac-muffin-making adventure in secret - while they were playing with Legos.
But it's hard to keep a secret in this house, especially when the "secret" is baking in the oven, and giving off a wonderful aroma. :) So, gradually they wandered into the kitchen, following their noses to the source of whatever it was that smelled so delicious.
When I told them what I was baking, they gave each other the oh-no-mom-is-making-something-weird-again look.
But when it came time to eat the "weird stuff", there were very few left-overs. :)
So here's what you will need:
1 cup of lilac blossoms and buds, rinsed and all green pieces removed. Set aside.
Mix the following in a large bowl : 1/2 c. butter, softened, 1/2 c. sugar, 1 egg, and 1 c. milk. Set aside.
In a small bowl, combine: 2 c. flour, 3 t. baking powder, and 1/2 t. salt. Add to above ingredients, and mix well. Then gently fold in lilacs.
Fill greased or lined muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake at 400 for 25 - 30 minutes.
Cool on wire racks, and glaze, if desired. I used a glaze of powdered sugar and milk.
Here's how they looked without the glaze...
...and with the glaze and a lilac blossom for a garnish.
For more muffins recipes, head over to my friend, Lisa's blog @ Happy In Dole Valley. She does a muffin post every Monday and you will love all her recipes. But be warned: you will become completely ravenous looking at the photos of all those delicious muffins!
Happy muffin making!
linking up this week @ Deep Roots At Home
