Lilac Muffins

One of my favorite things about spring is breathing in the lovely fragrance of lilacs.

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