Orange Poppy Seed Muffins

Don't choose a higher temperature so the muffins stay moist and the poppy seeds don't darken.

A quick spray of oil in the wells helps if the liners slip during baking.

Briefly pat the orange pieces dry on kitchen paper before folding them in so the batter doesn't get watery.

For especially light muffins, pass the mixture through a sieve once.

Everything should be at room temperature so the mixture combines more evenly.

Don't overmix, otherwise the muffins will become compact.

If you like, reserve 1–2 pieces for decoration.

An ice cream scoop or two spoons makes portioning particularly neat.

Near the end, do a toothpick test: there should only be a few moist crumbs clinging to the toothpick.

This stabilizes them and makes them less likely to break when removing.

On the rack the bottom stays dry and won't become soggy.

Suitable options: a dusting of powdered sugar, a glaze made with orange juice or some grated orange zest.