When Life Gives You Lemons…Make Muffins

August 29 is National Lemon Juice Day, and I couldn’t help but run with the idea. I love lemons! They are beautiful stacked in a vase, used as a fruit bouquet in a large pitcher and placed on a table or dresser, or made into cakes and muffins. I can’t get enough!

Here are a few of my favorite uses for the little tart fruit.

Soothe Your Scratchy Throat and More

If you are a mom, you have undoubtedly made a concoction of warm water, fresh lemon and honey to soothe your child’s scratchy throat. Whether it does the trick or not, the ritual is soothing to both mother and child and tastes delicious. On another note, lemon juice is also said to promote digestion and speed up your metabolism.

Make a Batch of Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins (and then deliver them to my door)

My favorite treat is a piece of lemon cake or a muffin. Include poppy seeds and it adds interest to the texture. Here is my “go-to” recipe. Fast, easy and freezes well.

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp. salt
• 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
• Juice of one lemon or generous squeeze of Real Lemon Juice
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla or almond extract
• 8 Tbs. melted butter
• 2 Tbs. poppy seeds

In a large bowl mix the dry ingredients together. In another bowl, mix the yogurt, butter, juice, vanilla and eggs. Fold both bowls in together and add the poppy seeds. Pour into a muffin tin and bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees, depending on your oven (I often bake these muffins at 350 degrees for a bit longer time). Cool on wire rack.

If desired, you can add a glaze of powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice to taste, but I prefer mine plain. (2 cups sugar and the juice of one to two lemons)

Share a Cocktail

I found a great recipe for a Lemon Drop Martini online, thanks to Noble Pig. The recipe is on their site, but one of the points they make in their blog is the importance of owning a citrus press. I wholeheartedly agree. I think every kitchen drawer should have a press or three. You may use it often or rarely, but when you need it, it’s invaluable. I have my grandmother’s antique press, which will surely last a few more generations. It’s both useful and holds a dear memory. I also have a couple of extras – one in bright yellow and another in vibrant orange. If you have never used one, here are a few simple directions:

How to Use a Citrus Press

Cut the lemon (or citrus) in half. The press comes in different sizes, and if you are pressing an orange or grapefruit, you may have to cut it in quarters. Put the fruit in the press, fruit facing downward, to avoid getting the juice squirted all over your clothing. Hold the tool firmly (I use both hands) and press the handles together, squeezing the juice into a bowl, glass or wide-mouth container. That’s it – fresh juice for drinking, cooking or rinsing in your hair for a shinier mane.

Build a Lemonade Stand With Your Kids

You don’t have to peddle the drink in your front yard, but doing something as a family is a good way to spend time together and make a memory. There are so many ideas online, and Pinterest is a good place to begin. Follow my Pinterest board for some fun ideas. (You will love my other boards as well!)

Happy Lemon Juice Day!

You may also like New School Year: Fresh Start for the Entire Family. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow Diane on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.