Raspberry Lemon Muffins

Going to the local farmer's market is always an adventure for me. So far, growers at my local market have many offerings from basic vegetables (lettuces, onions, radishes) to fruits like strawberries, cherries, and raspberries. I've already had my fill of cherries and strawberries. With the strawberries, we made gelato (recipe coming) and with the cherries, we made a tart (recipe forthcoming) and froze the rest. 

But with the raspberries, my daughter wanted to make muffins and I wanted to make scones, so we did both. Why not? Both are equally good and were equally devoured within a day. The scone recipe will be posted separately. 

Choose the sweetest, freshest raspberries you can find. I encourage you to find a grower (u-pick farm) or peruse the farmer's market. The raspberries at the store are ok (organic is best), but they are not as sweet and flavorful as the ones you will find locally. In fact, the same goes for any fruit. Local fruit is far superior to the fruit sold in the grocery store, even organic versions. 

Raspberry Lemon Muffins
Makes 12 muffins

• 1 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup white flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• zest of 1 lemon

 
Preheat oven to 400ºF.  Line muffin pan with paper cupcake liners. Set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the white whole wheat flour, 1/4 cup white flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a small bowl, toss the raspberries in the remaining 1/4 cup white flour; set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk together the butter, milk, egg, and lemon zest. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined (do not over mix or make a smooth batter). Carefully fold in the berries. 

Fill the muffin cups 3/4 full with batter. Sprinkle the top of each muffin with sugar. Bake for 17-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean. 

Cool completely before serving. Store in airtight container. 

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