Let the baking begin!

If you've got to start somewhere, it might as well be with the humble muffin. I've never been very good at muffins - I find it all too easy to over-mix the batter and produce something more stodgy than scrummy.

And so begins attempt number 1: lemon and poppy seed muffins. I actually felt a little nervous as I went about making these, as, since I've 'gone public' (she says tongue firmly in cheek) I feel like my baking is under scrutiny...which is, of course, the whole idea.

Anyway, upon taking from the oven bulging, golden muffins, with lemony wafts all through the kitchen, I thought I'd nailed my first challenge... and then watched in horror (yes, horror - I'm attempting to create a sense of drama and suspense here, people) as they began to deflate before my eyes.

I would love to say their taste made up for their appearance, but sadly, computer says no. My critics all agreed they were under-cooked and not sweet enough - Neil was kind enough to express this verbally; Dan and Emily were more explicit in their dislike. I blame the recipe (always easier than blaming the cook) which used only honey and no sugar.

The glaze - basically a concoction of icing sugar and lemon juice - helped sweeten matters and covered all manner of muffin sins. But glaze alone will not get me to NZ's Hottest Home Baker (although it was very tasty glaze).

Clearly I have a long journey ahead of me.


Batch 1



Batch 2

Lemon and poppy seed muffins - take 2

Not to be deterred (this being day one, and all, it would show poor form to give up now) I set about making a second batch, using a different recipe with more sugar, and cooked them at a  lower oven temperature for longer. I experimented with lemon curd in the centre too. I know, check me out.

The verdict? Much better. Cooked beautifully all the way through and delicious. The lemon curd ones were especially awesome, if I do say so myself. Neil, the ever-informative and helpful critic, commented, "They're good, just not cafe good." Kids actually ate it this time and Dan even managed a "Mmmm, yum" (which sounded a little staged to me and I suspect prompted by Neil).

Even so, better result than the first. Who knows what I might be capable of with a third batch??!However, I tire of lemon and poppy seed muffins, and have my sights set on other baked delights... and on that cliffhanger, I shall say TTFN.