Preheat oven to 350°F.

On a sheet of wax or parchment paper, sift together flour, salt and baking powder (or whisk together in a bowl).

In a glass bowl or measuring cup, microwave milk until it begins to steam - about 1 minute (do not boil!). Add butter, stirring until melted. Let cool for 5 minutes.

Using a whisk, beat eggs well, gradually adding sugar. Stir in a few tablespoons of the warm milk; then slowly combine all of the milk with the egg and butter mixture, whisking constantly. Stir in flour mixture, then vanilla or lemon extract (if using lemon extract, 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest may also be added for extra flavor).

Pour batter into a small aluminum foil "snack sized" pan which has been buttered (or sprayed with non-stick spray) and lightly dusted with flour. May also be prepared in mini-cupcake pans.

Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until cake tests done (a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean). Mini muffins will bake in about half the time.

Submitted by: CM