How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Tea

Practical Homemaking/ Recipes

How to brew the perfect cup of tea

If you like tea, and especially loose leaf tea, I think you'll enjoy this. I just read this short article recently from Doctor Mercola's website:  www.mercola.com I found it interesting, and somewhat amusing, and so I thought I'd share it with our blog readers as well.

"There is an art to brewing tea using loose tea leaves, but once you find your 'sweet spot' you may never go back to bagged tea again. Here are a few simple guidelines for making the 'perfect' cup of tea:

1.    Bring water to a boil in a tea kettle

2.    Preheat your tea pot or cup to prevent the water from cooling too quickly when transferred. Simply add a small amount of boiling water to the pot or tea cup that you’re going to steep the tea in. Ceramic and porcelain retain heat well. Then cover the pot or cup with a lid. Add a tea cozy if you have one, or drape with a towel. Let stand until warm, then pour out the water.

    3. Put the tea into an infuser, strainer, or add loose into the tea pot. Steeping without an infuser or strainer will produce a more flavorful tea. Start with one heaped teaspoon per cup of tea, or follow the instructions on the tea package. The robustness of the flavor can be tweaked by using more or less tea.

    4. Add boiling water. Use the correct amount for the amount of tea you added (i.e. for four teaspoons of tea, add four cups of water). The ideal water temperature varies based on the type of tea being steeped:

a.    White or green teas (full leaf): Well below boiling (170-185 F or 76-85 C). Once the water has been brought to a boil, remove from heat and let the water cool for about 30 seconds for white tea and 60 seconds for green tea before pouring it over the leaves

b.    Oolongs (full leaf): 185-210 F or 85-98 C

c.    Black teas (full leaf): Full rolling boil (212 F or 100 C)

5.    Cover the pot with a cozy and let steep. Follow steeping instructions on the package. If there are none, here are some general steeping guidelines. Taste frequently as you want it to be flavorful but not bitter:

a.    Oolong teas: 4-7 minutes

b.    Black teas: 3-5 minutes

c.    Green teas: 2-3 minutes

    6. Once desired flavor has been achieved you need to remove the strainer or infuser. If using loose leaves, pour the tea through a strainer into your cup and any leftover into another vessel (cover with a cozy to retain heat)."

A Virtuous Young Woman

Spiritual Lesson

A Virtuous Young Woman

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price if far above rubies.” (Proverbs 31:10)

I just recently read Proverbs 31. We are all familiar with this chapter as being the chapter of what a virtuous woman must look like. I’ve heard it typically used in reference to married women. It will most likely be mentioned on “Mother’s Day”, as in, this is what a godly wife or mother should be. Which is true, especially since there are several references to this Proverbs 31 woman being both a wife and a mother; but, this chapter isn’t just for married women. This was also King Lemuel’s counsel to his son, in choosing a bride. These were character traits he admonished his son to look for in a young lady. The principles of Proverbs 31 apply to all women. Whether single, engaged, married, or even widowed. In this post, I would like to apply them to single young woman. Girls who, while desiring to someday apply them practically towards both their future husbands and children, can also apply them in their daily lives right now.

We do not have to wait until we are married to be virtuous women for the Lord.

There is a lot to be learned from Proverbs 31, and many things, which the Lord will most likely be teaching me for the rest of my life. But it begins now. And while I may not be able to comment on everything addressed in this chapter, I would like to share just a few thoughts with some of the things I recently observed. 

 “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.” (Proverbs 31:11-12)

Firstly, I see trust. She is a trustworthy person. “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her”. She is someone he can trust. She is faithful to him, not only as a wife, but also as a friend. She isn’t running off to tell her girlfriends (or her mother) everything about their relationship. She is committed to him. He is able to trust her with his heart. It can be very hard sometimes to allow yourself to be vulnerable and to trust your heart with someone; let alone if that person has or is continually betraying that trust. She is accepting of him. I think this is important, because it is nearly impossible to “safely trust” someone who doesn’t really love and accept you for who you are. And I don’t necessarily mean a tolerance for sin, but grace towards a sinner. (We are all sinners saved by God’s grace.) 

Question: Are you trustworthy?

The habits we form, the faults which we do not change, will follow us for the rest of our lives. Walking down the aisle on your wedding day doesn’t magically warp you into the “perfect helpmeet” you’ve always desired to be.

Can the people in your life right now trust you? Are you always eager to share the latest about “so and so”? Do you gossip? Is there wisdom in your words? There is nothing quite so blessed and liberating as a trusty friend. Someone you can be yourself with, because no matter what, they’re going to love you. Someone you can bear your soul to, because they care. Someone who you can confidently give all of your heart to, because you know you are able to trust them fully. Such a friend is priceless. And maybe you can think of just such a person. But are you that kind of person? Are you that kind of friend? Are you that daughter? Or maybe that sister?

“She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.” (Proverbs 31:13)

“She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.” (Proverbs 31:27)

Then I see that she is industrious. She isn’t lazy or idle, but is seeking opportunities to bless her house. Sometimes as young girls, the idea of building up a “future house” sounds much more appealing than building up the one you are currently in. We might think that we'll definitely put effort into our "future house" once we are married; but my question is, do you do that now, with your father's house? Proverbs 14:1 says- “Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.” And while this does apply to your “future house”(marriage) too, it also applies to your current house. If you are a wise woman, you will be building up, not tarring down, not idling away your time.

The Bible says that we are to do "all things as unto the Lord". If this were truly our hearts intent, it simply would not matter where you were doing this. Whether that is at home, on the job, at church, or maybe in some other form of ministry. We do not have to wait, and we should not wait, until we are married with our own house and husband to be building up the people around us.

As a single daughter at home, the Lord has given me many opportunities to “build up my home” where I am. Whether that is cleaning the house, doing dishes, making dinner, encouraging my dad, helping my mom, tackling the laundry pile, or even simply having a thankful, joyful spirit; we do not have to wait until we are “running our own house” to be a blessing. No, actually, it is when you are helping at home right now that you learn how to be a helpmeet for the future. And truly, learning to joyfully accept the mundane tasks and duties of everyday life is a very important, challenging lesson of itself.

Learning to walk in the spirit among our daily responsibilities is where the rubber meets the road. Life isn’t always exciting. And marriage won’t automatically make the drudgery of work glamorous.

“She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household….” (Proverbs 31:15)

Before my mom left recently to visit my sister for two weeks, she asked me to make sure my dad had lunch every day for work. My dad normally leaves around 6:30 or so in the morning. And even though I am a morning person, this isn't always exactly enjoyable. This virtuous woman rose "also while it is yet night". Let me just say, this verse is not advocating that women don’t ever sleep. That would be stupid. But, it does say something about where this woman’s heart was. She was more than willing to do whatever it took to take care of her household, including rising up while it was still dark; another words, really early. And there’s nothing wrong with sleep. J (Thank the Lord!) But, as virtuous young women, we need to be willing to forgo, if need be. This is certainly the case when it comes to motherhood. You can’t just let your baby cry all night from want of milk. You have to sacrifice. And it would be the same being a wife. Granted, your husband won’t be crying all night because he’s hungryJ, but still, there are sacrifices that will need to be made. The odds are, if you aren’t willing to get up early and make a quick lunch for your dad right now, you probably won’t be willing to for your husband either, if necessary. 

“She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple….She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.” (Proverbs 31:21-22,24-25)

What you prepare, God is able to use. (Please consider reading this post.) It is the same with marriage. The more you prepare, the better equipped you will be. Cooking, baking, everyday household chores, canning, gardening, and even health are all good things to know before you get married. Not to mention that they are also all practical ways to help as a daughter at home.

Proverbs 31:29 says, “Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.” And while this woman was greatly praised for her virtuous qualities, I also have to mention, she also had handmaids. J Now a days, to be a stay-at-home, homeschooling mommy, you are not just “mother”, but “teacher” and sometimes “doctor” too. It would be wise to prepare to the best of our ability. Although, it is also a comfort to know that no matter how unprepared, or even how prepared, we may feel, truly, the Lord is our helper.

“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” (Proverbs 31:26)

She has wisdom. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

The virtuous young woman is kind. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

I Corinthians 13:4 says, “Charity suffereth long, and is kind;”

Kindness is rooted in love. When we really love someone, kindness will naturally follow. I Corinthians 13 goes on to say… “charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”

Having charity and kindness towards others starts long before marriage does. This is something we should have towards all men. Something we should practice towards our siblings. Something we should have towards our family. Towards our friends. Towards our neighbor. Towards the lost.

Lately, the Lord has been very faithful to show me that I have a “love problem”. It is very humbling to realize that your love is, at its best, selfish and utterly failing. We want to be loved more than we care to give love. Our natural human love is rooted only in completely selfishness. It is when we acknowledge our lack of love and our desperate need for it, that Christ is then able to fill us with His love, which is perfect, unselfish, and never once failing. He will give us His love towards others.

 It is convicting to see that the things about someone else that continually annoy and maybe even frustrate me, don’t actually annoy and frustrate Him. Why? Because, He loves that person.  He is love. And I, most certainly, am not. But again, He is able to enable us with that love. Charity, “Beareth all things … Endureth all things.” When the faults and failures of someone else continually affect, annoy, and hurt you, Charity still, "Beareth all things...Endureth all things." Charity, “Hopeth all things…Believeth all things.” Jesus is the One who is able to change hearts. But even when we feel like someone is completely unworthy of our love, we still love because He first loved us, not because that person deserves it. We have never once deserved His love- and yet, He still loves us.

“She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.” (Proverbs 31:20)

In verses 8 and 9 it says, “Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.”

Who are the poor? Who are the needy? Who are those appointed to destruction?

The lost souls of men(To Be His Witness)

Babies being murdered by abortion(Who Will Speak Out For the Voiceless)

The homeless and the hungry
Others you may know with needs

Are we willing to “stretch out our hand” to the poor and to the needy? To make a difference in someone else’s life? To stand up against the evils of our day? To open our mouths with truth and kindness? To love someone more than you love yourself? We need to be available vessels for His glory.

“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.” (Proverbs 31:30-31)

Keys to our Siblings Hearts

Spiritual Lessons/Practical Homemaking

The Keys to our Siblings Hearts 

How thankful I am for my little siblings.  As the oldest I have many fond memories of all of my brothers and sisters through the years.  I don't remember life without Chris.  And I remember the raptures of holding bald chubby Tim when he was just a baby.  And FaithAnne's birth.  

After the oldest set came Jeremy, Beth and Abbie.  The Chubs.  When Jeremy, our little premature babe started (finally!) putting on some wait, we fondly called him the "chub".  Fourteen months after Jeremy (or "Bud" as we sometimes call him) came Elizabeth.  She became the "chubette" which we later shortened to "chub" also.  And then a couple more years later came Abigail Grace who now makes the trio the "Chubs".   

With a 15+ year gap between the chubs and I, I've felt more like a little mother hen than a sibling to them.  I wasn't just playing with them but helping feed, bathe and teach them also.  Sometimes "playing" no longer sounds very appealing, but just the other day I succumbed to the pleadings and romped with them.  They were thrilled.  The were re-enacting a book (the entire novel, mind you) and I had to recite my lines.  We had a great time.  Once, while riding the Gryphon (my bed) we were screaming so loudly that mom called up the stairway -- "Chubs!  That's too loud!"  We laughed until we cried because I had been yelling just as loud as the Bud, Beth and Abbie.  Having a 23 year old getting in trouble for yelling is pretty funny.  Not to mention watching a "grown up" sword fence and killing goblins.  

Why do I ever hesitate to give my siblings such a little portion of my day?  It means one hour sacrificed to me.  But to them it means the world.  What a trade!  I love my chubs.   It's amazing how distant you can become with people you live with in the same home.  And sometimes I don't even realize it until I make the effort to spend quality time with them.  Then the gap stares me in the face.  After riding gryphons and stabbing goblins the chubs came to me and talked for quite a while about serious subjects and thoughts only a seven and eight year old can have.  Their precious hearts were held out, wide and open.  Why?  Because I had taken the key to their hearts when they offered it.   How simple.  The only difficulty is recognizing their offering.  It normally looks impish and sounds like "Toni, you want to play with us?"  How many oppertunities of reaching a child's heart are missed, simply because we adults can't take the time.  We forget the way to their heart.

I've heard so many regrets from older siblings or adults.  The child they wish to reach is closed off and distant.  They no longer seek quality time.  They aren't offering up the key because it's been rejected too often.  Even young teens hold the same key as the younger children. They just are shy about offering it up.  The key of quality time.  It's a love language most children yearn and need and understand.  But we can't give one hour.   The other night I played "castle set" with Abbie.  For only 20 minutes and she loved it!  It made her evening and she came to my bed that evening and kissed me and said in her sweet three-year-old way, "Thank you for playing with me Toni."   

I'm so blessed to be given this time in my life at home.  I have so many passions and hobbies and work and such....but I also am given the gift of sisterhood and before I am given the gift of wifehood I have the ability to take up these offered keys. It's a privilege.  So here I come -- where's my sword?  I'm about to take on some goblins!   

Chickens in the CrabApples

Practical Homemaking

Chickens in the Crab-Apples

(The Little Details in Life)

Little things. Small details that can be so easily ignored. I have recently been finding the time and pleasure in them. The other morning I looked out the window and noticed two of our chickens in the crab-apple tree, eating the fruit! I instantly thought of the "12 days of Christmas" (And a partridge in a pear tree). It made me laugh. It was 18 degrees or so, but I thought -- you know, I should take a picture. I stopped washing dishes ad hurried outside after wrapping a scarf around my ears, to take a few pictures. To my amusement, the entire flock of chickens followed me out to the garden and watched me as I photographed their silly kin in the tree. Small moment. Relished and saved.

Today I had a hundred and one things to do. You know, that never ending list of "to do". But I decided I would make Gluten-Free Sourdough. The sticky dough looked so scrumptious as I roughly whipped it and plunked it into the blue glass pan. I thought -- I should take a picture. So I did. Making bread by scratch is an art. It's satisfying to create something that looks beautiful, is healthy, and so simply domestic as a loaf of bread. The aroma filled the house. I slathered butter on top and served it just like that, in it's wholesome plainness as lunch for mom. Small details. Perfect.  

One recent morning I took the time to write about the sunrise and the emotions it created:

"What beauty in a rural misty morning in light of an Autumns sun. Frozen evergreens stand stark against the pale blue sky and the frost glitters on the cedar out my window. Cold beauty. But a lovely reminder of Jesus' delight in the details.
The sun is already burning in it's pale winters coat...reminds me of early Christmas mornings, creaking down the stairs, starting the coffee and snuggling on the couch -- waiting. Waiting for Mom and Dad while feasting our eyes on the plump stockings lining the stair case.
I close my eyes and smile on the many past Christmas'. Singing Happy Birthday to Jesus, hot wassail, Grandma wrapped in a red knitted blanket next to the Christmas tree, Grandpa, handsome and smiling over us as chaos reigns. He has always smelled of the same sweet-spicy cologne and ever since I can remember his hands have been soft and full of comforting wrinkles. Mom in her jammies, with packages stacked all around her, too excited to see us open our gifts to open her own. Dad with his cup of coffee rubbing his socked feet together in simple pleasure. Smiling faces, wrapping paper, snowflakes, merry voices and coffee perking.
I open my eyes and the sun has climbed the morning ladder...it's time to go down stairs. I just had to write. I'm so blessed. There's no other way to say it."

Quiet little moment, treasure and recorded. Check. How beautiful our days are if we would only take the time to notice, record it, express it, and even share it. Some people rush through life as if their death date is their goal. It is so easy to allow stresses, bills, anxieties and cares weigh us down. But it's just as easy to give them all up and open our eyes. The best way to notice life's details is to start.

Also see: huttoshighlandhaven.wordpress.com/memories-goodies-and-traditions

A Whilomly Day

Practical Homemaking

A Whilomly Day 

I wonder if I am old fashioned?  I love early mornings, ancient  books that you can smell, wool sweaters, plaid ribbon, hand-written letters, old hymns, hats, witty humor, chivalry, and good conversation face to face.  

I spent just the other day in a whilomly sort of way -- 

The air smelled of wood smoke and pine.  The familiar path into the woods, the laughter in the forest of my siblings and friends, the pruning of evergreen boughs....the clamping of the wreath machine; they all brought back memories. 
 Nostalgia is like a warm cup of soup on a cold winters day. You don't realize just how good it is until you partake and afterwards it leaves you feeling warm and filled. 

Several years in a row my family and friends have been making old fashioned wreaths for the businesses in our local area.  Whilomly Wreaths.  Whilomly being an outdated word for "old fashioned".  This year we were greeted by customers that remembered us and eagerly ordered their old fashioned wreaths.  Downtown they are putting up lights.  Shops are already decorating and you can feel it...the Christmas spirit is flooding the gates, just ready to spill over and take everyone captive.  Soon we all will be humming with Bing and making lists and baking gingerbread cookies.  The thick blackstrap molasses ones from mom's old Betty Crocker cookbook, that melt in your mouth when you dunk them in coffee. 

There is something to be said for our modern day.  Really the past can't be made without a present.  But then I can't help but relish those little things in life.  So often modern means chintzy, temporary, fast paced, processed or generic.  The details are so easily missed by the majority today.  And for some reason Christmas brings back that innocence to our distracted grown-up minds and suddenly people are warmed and filled by holiday memories.   

Somehow a fresh-pine scented wreath triggers the old-fashioned soul in us.  For me there's a refreshing satisfaction about being "out of vogue".  Replacing the China plastic with something I made, something that symbolizes how it used to be.  I hope my whilomly day can remind you to stop and take the time to try adding a little old fashionedness to your day. So whether you are placing a plaid ribboned wreath on your front door, knitting mittens, reading an ancient smelly book, drinking tea or baking cookies, I hope you can revel in it and find the same enjoyment I have found in having a whilomly day.   

Applesauce and Inspiration

Practical Homemaking/Recipes 

Applesauce and Inspiration 

I thought I would share my little adventure in homemaking today.  Maybe it will inspire you to get into the kitchen and embrace your creative and or culinary side.  Today I made a batch of Apple-Pear Sauce with home-grown fruit that some friends had given to us.  Mom has been canning Pear Butter and Pear Mincemeat (yum!) the last few weeks but these left-over apples and pears were starting to get wrinkled and in dire need of using.  

I had read an article where the apples weren't peeled but only halved and cored and then cooked.  I decided to try.  And to my delight it made a beautiful pink sauce; just like the photos showed in the article.  But then I had a couple dozen wrinkly pears.  I decided to throw those in too.  The result -- delicious pink Apple-Pear Sauce.  :)  It made our house smell like autumn with all the cinnamon and allspice wafting from the big pot.  I loved it!  Plus I made my sauce without sugar.  I added just a few spoonfuls of honey.  Perfect.

Ah, the beauty of a day at home.  Beth and I went and delighted our hens with apple cores.  I then made a Applesauce Cake.  Now the entire household is happy. 

Pink Apple-Pear Sauce

Cored and halved Pink Apples
Peeled pears 
water
Lemon juice
Cinnamon
Alspice
Honey 

Cook apples and pears in a copper bottom pot on low for 45 minutes with a little water to keep it from burning.  Add lemon juice.  (I cut my lemon in half, squeezed it and then dumped it into the pot).  Then stir in spices and honey to taste.  

Strain....   

And vola!

Will post the recipe of the Sugar-free, Dairy-free Applesauce Cake soon!  



   

Cozy Mittens

Practical Homemaking

Cozy (Christmas) Mittens 

Time for Christmas project ideas!  (I know -- already!)  I found these and they look so simple and cozy, I thought I would give them a try.  I also thought they were worth sharing with you!






Cozy Mittens Step by Step Instructions 
Women's Mittens Instructions

Blueberry and Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Practical Homemaking/ Recipes

                                                 Blueberry and Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins


And here is the perfect way to start off your Saturday morning! A cup of tea with one of these delicious blueberry muffins. While this recipe is more geared towards gluten-free needs, it can easily be made into a "normal"  muffin recipe as well. :) 

Recipe:
2 1/3 Cups Gluten-free flour blend (I used- White rice flour, Brown rice flour, and Tapioca starch. Although, an actual "gluten-free flour blend" would probably be even more tasteful.)
1/2 Cup Natural sugar
2 1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
1 tsp. Xanthan Gum
1 tsp. Unflavored Gelatin Powder
1 tsp. Salt
1 Cup of Raw Milk (For a Dairy-free substitute, use Almond Milk instead)
1/4 Cup Oil (I used-Avocado oil)
2 Large Eggs
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
1 tsp. Grated Lemon Zest
2 Cups of blueberries

I also added about a teaspoon of Lemon Extract, as well as Poppy Seeds.

In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Add milk, oil, eggs, vanilla, and lemon zest (or lemon extract). Blend until thoroughly mixed. Gently stir in blueberries. (If the blueberries are frozen, add a few extra minutes to baking time.) After dividing into muffin tins, bake @ 400 (F) for approximately 20-25 minutes. You can also finish these muffins off with a lemon glaze. [Powdered sugar mixed with a little Lemon Juice.] Or sometimes, I sprinkle a little sugar on the top. 

Chard Chips

Practical Homemaking/ Recipes 

I found this recipe through doTerra Essential Oils and decided I had better try it.  I was pleasantly surprised.  It worked!  Plus it is really yummy.  

The  original recipe  calls for Kale and doTerra lemon essential oil.  I only had Swiss chard and lemon juice on hand.  But it worked.  Can't wait to try different herbs on them.  But it was great with just salt and pepper. 

Ingredients:

Bunch of Chard 

2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 

2 teaspoons lemon juice

Salt and Pepper

Directions:

Wash Swiss Chard leaves and dry.  Mix oil and salt and pepper with leaves.  Place in one layer on cookie sheet.  Preheat oven to 260 degrees.  Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until crisped.  Really tasty healthy treat.

Enjoy!  

Gluten Free Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Practical Homemaking 

Hurrah!  I conquered another Gluten-free muffin.  These are so yummy!  Or so says the Gluten-free-Snob-Queen (my mother).  :)  They are moist and not too sweet, with a zesty hint of lemon and the perfect touch of poppy seed nutty goodness.  They look gorgeous too.  They are worth baking just for the scrumptious aroma they fill the kitchen with.  Love these!  

If you are local I will be selling these over at Annie's Orchard every Saturday morning.  Stop by!  :)   

Gluten Free Lemon Poppy-Seed Muffins 

~ * ~

Ingredients:

2 cups GFM's Rice Almond blend flour

2 tsp. Baking powder

1 1/4 tsp. Xanthan gum

¼ tsp. Salt

½ cup butter

1 cup sugar

1 cup vanilla yogurt

1 egg

1 Tbl. lemon juice

1 tsp poppy seeds

¼ cup raw milk

2 Tbsp. Sugar for sprinkling

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease muffin tins. In medium bowl combine dry ingredients and lightly whisk with a fork. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add yogurt, egg, lemon juice and milk. Mix until well combined. Add dry mixture a little at a time to your wet ingredients just until flour is mixed in, but do not over mix batter. Sprinkle poppy seeds. Fill muffin tins to top with muffin batter. Lightly sprinkle tops of muffins with sugar. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Enjoy!