Before you begin a recipe using poppyseeds (or poppy seeds), soak them in hot milk, water or oil from the recipe, or grind them before using. Soaking softens their tough outer coating, so that their unique flavoring compounds could be more easily released by baking temperatures. Grinding, or course, mechanically accomplishes the same process; just pulse a small amount at a time in a spice grinder.
This technique is used with the Lemon Poppy Seed Whoopie Pies Recipe Tutorial
HOW TO TIPS:
1. Heat the milk from the recipe in the microwave until it is very hot.
2. Add the poppy seeds to the milk and let them steep, while coming to room temperature before using both ingredients in the recipe; do not strain first.
