To start, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F In a large mixing bowl cream together 1/2 Cup unsalted butter-softened 1 1/4 Cups granulated sugar

Add 2 large eggs warmed to room temperature one at a time  Beating after each addition until fully incorporated

To the mixture add 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1/2 tsp. almond flavoring if desired

In a small bowl mix together 2 Cups all purpose flour 2 tsp. baking powder Gradually add the dry ingredients in increments, alternating with  1/2 Cup buttermilk

When the batter ingredients are thoroughly blended, fold in  1 Cup fresh or frozen blueberries  Do this gently so they don't leak juice into the batter

Drop the batter into a muffin tin prepared with muffin liners Sprinkle sanding sugar over the top for a bakery style finish

Bake for 20 minutes This recipe will make approximately 18 full sized muffins