Muffin Mix I

Even hectic mornings can usually spare 5 minutes to get these in the oven. Warm muffins say "I love you" to sleepy kids groping for school books and running for the bus.

8 cups flour (you can blend in up to 1/2 whole wheat flour, or one-fourth oatmeal)
4 Tbsp. baking powder

2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. nutmeg

1-2 cups sugar

1 1/3 cups powdered milk

Mix all together well and store in an airtight container.

TO PREPARE 1 dozen muffins use:

2 1/2 cups muffin mix

Mix together well in a bowl:
1 beaten egg
3 Tbsp. oil or melted butter

1 cup water

1 tsp. vanilla

Add into the muffin mix and stir just until all ingredients are moistened. Do not overstir, or muffins will be tough. Fill greased muffin tins or muffin papers 2/3 full with batter. I like to sprinkle the tops with cinnamon sugar.

Bake in oven preheated to 375 for 15-20 minutes. Test for doneness by touching the tops-- they should spring back.

Muffin Additions/Variations:

After mixing dry ingredients, you can add one or more of the following and toss to coat before adding liquid:

1/2 cup blueberries

1 apple, finely chopped

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, or 1/2 cup dried

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup coconut

You can make banana muffins by mashing 2 or 3 bananas with a fork and blending with the liquid ingredients before adding to the flour mixture. (Banana-coconut is a favorite of mine.)