It's all I need...

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     It's well known (by family and some friends) that I'm not much good for anything unless I've had my morning cappuccino.  On rare occasions, I have been forced to dash out of the house without one.  It is not an ideal situation.  Even my French Bulldog Pipi knows there's no hope of a walk unless I've downed a double espresso first.  Breakfast can wait, and usually does, until later.  When I get myself out of bed, down the stairs, and into the kitchen, it's all about the cappuccino and nothing else...  well, a little cookie or muffin on the side is always welcome :)

BREAKFAST:  Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
                                                           and a Cappuccino

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• Finely grated zest of 1 small, organic lemon
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 2 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 12 fresh blackberries

1.  PREHEAT OVEN to 400˚F.  Line a 12 cup muffin tin with paper or silicone baking cups.
2.  In a large bowl, cream butter with sugar until light and fluffy.  Beat in eggs, one at a time.  Add yogurt, lemon zest, almond extract, and poppy seeds.  Mix well.
3.  In a medium bowl, sift together flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.  Stir into the creamed mixture.  Spoon batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin.  Press a blackberry into the center of each muffin.
4.  Place tin on the middle rack of oven.  Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown; cool for 5 minutes before serving.

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