Cherry Poppy Seed Muffin

If you don't have a muffin tin, use double liners (two nested) so they stand more securely.

Pat the cherries briefly on kitchen paper afterwards so the batter doesn't become too wet.

This lightly coats the cherries with flour and helps prevent them from sinking while baking.

Use ingredients at room temperature if possible so the batter combines more evenly.

Do not overmix, otherwise the muffins will turn out dense instead of light.

An ice cream scoop or two spoons makes portioning clean and even.

Baking time can vary by oven, so check more frequently toward the end.

Cooling on a rack prevents condensation and keeps the tops nicely dry.

Powdered sugar, a lemon glaze or a dollop of whipped cream pair especially well with cherry and poppy seed.