Magdalena Muffins for the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene

Magdalenas or "medeleines" are a Spanish muffin or cake created in honor of Saint Mary Magdalene. They are known for their reference to this great "apostle to the apostles" whose feast day we celebrate on July 22nd.

Here is a simple recipe for you to make on this feast day. Maybe this is a good day to host some lovely women you know, share some coffee and Magdalenas, and read the Gospel passage of Mary's encounter with Christ at the empty tomb.

Prep: 10 min

Cook: 15 min

Serves: 12 muffins

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 eggs

• ½ cup sugar

• 1 ⅓ cup all purpose flour

• 2 teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup olive oil

• 3 tablespoon milk

• 1 lemon zest (zest from 1 lemon)

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• Beat together the eggs and sugar until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture becomes paler and with little bubbles in it.

• Separately, mix the flour, baking powder and salt. Add this mixture to the egg-sugar mixture along with the oil, milk and lemon zest. Mix until smooth and well combined. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for approximately 30 minutes.

• Towards the end of the chilling time, preheat the oven to 450F/230C. Line a muffin tin with 12 liners.

• Take the mixture out of the fridge and spoon the mixture evenly into the muffin liners - don't mix the batter, just scoop it out and just fill the liners to around ¾ full.

• If you like (recommended), sprinkle a little sugar over the top of each of the muffins then place them in the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 400F/200C.

• Bake the muffins for approximately 15 minutes, turning once after around 10-12 minutes, if needed, to help the 'humps' be even in the middle .

• Allow to cool a minute or two before removing from tin onto a cooling rack.