Not long ago I picked up a 2 pound bag of meyer lemons at the store for a great price.  But, I have been too busy to do anything with them.  So I thought that it was time for a recipe with lemon in it.  Before I get to the recipe, we should talk about the lowly lemon.  I love lemons, let me count the ways.  Lemon’s bright flavor can perk up so many foods.  And they are very useful in our kitchens and homes.  So here is a short list of what you can use these wonderful fruits for.

Ways to use Lemons in your Home

In the Kitchen for Cooking

• Add to salads, fruits and veggies to keep them from turning brown
• Use to deglaze a pan
• Use to make “buttermilk” when you don’t have the real thing
• Make a lemon glaze to drizzle on your German Pancakes or waffles
• Use in a marinade for chicken or fish
• Add slices to water to perk up the flavor
• Use the lemon zest in recipes and as a garnish
• Make salad dressings and vinaigrettes
• And of course make Lemonade and Sage, Honey and Lemon Tea

In the Kitchen for Cleaning

• Use to make a simmering potpourri to freshen the air
• Clean your garbage disposal with the leftover rind
• Freshen your refrigerator with cut lemons in a bowl
• Use with salt to scrub your cutting board
• Freshen your microwave by heating juice in a bowl

For Cleaning in other areas of your Home

• Add to your laundry to whiten and brighten your clothes
• Add to rinse cycle to soften your clothes
• Remove tarnish from silverware and metal pans
• Makes a natural cleaner when mixed with water and vinegar

For Personal Care

• Use as a rinse for your hair after washing
• Mix with honey to soothe a sore throat
• Use to whiten your fingernails
• Remove stains on your hands such as berry stains
• Make a lemon sugar scrub for exfoliating your skin

For Decorating Your Home

• A bowl of lemons makes a great centerpiece
• Cut lemons can be used in vases to hold flower stems in place
• Peels can be dried and used in potpourri

I hope this gets your juices flowing and you can think of more ways to use luscious lemons.  Now on to the recipe.  This is a simple and moist muffin recipe that is quick to throw together for breakfast or anytime.

Print

Lemon Blueberry Muffins

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

20 mins

Total Time

30 mins

 

A quick and easy muffin for breakfast or afternoon tea.

Course: Breakfast

Ingredients

• 1 large egg, slightly beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 cups flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 1/8 tsp salt,
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, rinsed and drained
• lemon glaze for drizzling, Note: See Recipe Below

Instructions

1. Blend the egg, milk, oil and lemon juice together.
   

2. Add the dry ingredients and lemon zest all at once to egg mixture.  Blend until just moistened.  Do not overmix.
   

3. Gently fold in the blueberries.  Again, do not overmix.
   

4. Spoon batter into 12 muffin cups.  Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes until golden brown.
   

5. Allow to cool slightly and then drizzle on the Lemon Glaze. 
   

6. Lemon Glaze:  Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1 Tbsp lemon juice.  Add additional juice if too thick.  Garnish with more lemon zest if desired.
   

I hope that you enjoy a batch of these muffins.  Lemons are in season now so the cost is low.  You can also freeze lemon juice in ice cube trays and store in a ziploc bag.  Lemon cubes are great for adding to beverages and recipes.  What are some ways that you use lemons?  Do you have any special lemon recipes or cleaning tips.  I would enjoy hearing about your special uses.