Lemon Rhubarb and Almond Muffins

When I think of Spring I can’t go past Rhubarb. Those bright, juicy stalks bursting with so much flavor add a pop of freshness to any baked item. By themselves too, they are the perfect ingredient for a cordial or a chutney. The best thing though is the they’re equally great with both sweet and savory dishes. A few days ago I made a rhubarb chutney that was the talk of my neighborhood. Paired with brie cheese and some fresh greens in a sandwich, they make a killer combo. Try it for yourself, you won’t be disappointed.

Adding them in sweet recipes, is of course as simple as chopping them and throwing them into your cakes, muffins, slices or tarts. They cook down upon heating in the oven and create the most gorgeous pink hued topping. This recipe is super simple and I’ve made the lemon muffins by themselves many times. Spring is in the air and since I never ever get tired of pink, I included rhubarb and some sliced almonds to make them exciting. Sweet, tart, crunchy, mushy…these muffins are everything and a delight to the taste-buds.

Lemon Rhubarb  and Almond Muffins
Makes 12 muffins

2 and 1/2 cups self raising flour
1/2 cup castor sugar
1 and 1/4 cup milk
1 egg, lightly whisked
90 g unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp lemon zest
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 cup chopped rhubarb (chopped into 1 cm cubes)
1/3 cup thinly sliced almonds

Preheat oven to 180 degrees C (160 degrees C for fan forced ovens). Line a 12- hole muffin tray with muffin/cupcake liners.

Place the flour, sugar and lemon zest in a large bowl. Stir to combine. Make a well in the centre. In a separate bowl, combine the egg, milk, butter and lemon juice. Pour the wet mixture into the well. Stir until just combined (do not over-mix). Fold in chopped rhubarb leaving aside  a little for the tops (about 1/4 cup).

Spoon batter into muffin liners till 3/4th full.  Sprinkle leftover rhubarb pieces and sliced almonds on to the tops.  Bake for 20 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the middle of a muffin comes out clean. Turn onto a wire rack to cool. Enjoy!

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