clstar’s Lemon Ricotta Muffins

Lemon and ricotta are a great combination. Not only are these muffins flavorful, they are incredibly light and fluffy and make for a perfect morning treat.

Lemon Ricotta Muffins on Cook Like a Champion
(Adapted from Giada De Laurentiis)

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup plus 1 tsp. sugar or more as needed for sprinkling
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 Tbl. finely grated lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1 Tbl. fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp. almond extract
1/3 cup thinly sliced almonds

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together 1 cup sugar, butter, and lemon zest until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the ricotta. Once that is blended, beat in the egg, lemon juice, and almond extract.
5. Slowly add in the dry ingredients and stir until just blended. The batter will be thick and fluffy.
6. Divide the batter among muffin cups and sprinkle each with almonds and sugar. Gently press the almonds into the batter to prevent them from falling off during baking.
7. Bake about 20 minutes, until the muffins are pale golden on top.

Photo: Nestie clstar