I recently saw a Food Network segment on how citrus zest can take a great dish to the next level (yes, that is why my recent recipes have utilized the ingredient :)). I was skeptical that a little bit of shaved lemon peel could really make that big a difference, so I decided to try it out.
(cue music)
I have to say, I’m a believer. I’ve tried it in dressings, and this weekend I baked it into a batch of sweet potato muffins. It doesn’t take much, and the effects are sublime.
P.S. Big shout out to my colleague AY: I took a batch of muffins into work and she was the only one able to discern the secret ingredient 🙂
Note 1: These muffins are dense, crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. If you prefer a more crumby texture, increase the amount of flour.
Note 2: Don’t waste the lemon after you zest it; try this recipe, which requires the zest of one lemon but the juice of 2!
Sweet Potato Muffins
2 large sweet potatoes
2 eggs
1/2 cup applesauce
3 Tbsp vegetable oil
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (I prefer fresh)
pinch of ground clove
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 cup flour (a bit less if you are using a gluten free baking mix)
chopped pecans
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Peel and cube sweet potatoes. Heat a pot of water to a boil and cook until tender. Drain and cool in cold water, then mash or puree with an immersion blender.
- Add eggs, applesauce, sugar, vanilla, zest and spices. Stir to combine.
- With a whisk, stir in baking soda, baking powder and flour until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide mixture evenly between 12 muffin tins and sprinkle pecans over the tops. Bake at 350 12-15 minutes or until edges are crispy and muffin tops are golden brown and firm.
Fun variations:
- Play with the spice proportions, or try orange or lime zest in place of the lemon zest.
- Sprinkle chopped candied or spicy candied pecans.
- Add a splash of whisky or bourbon in place of the vanilla.
The cost:
sweet potatoes: .98
eggs: .33
applesauce: .35
lemon: .20
sugar: .45
flour: .25
nuts: .30
Grand total: $2.86; makes 12 muffins