Punches, Quotes and Oatmeal Muffins

It's a beautiful day today. A storm is blowing in, and all the trees and grass are tipped with lovely white crystals. I love it when that happens - it is so pretty.

"Begin doing what you want to do now.

We are not living in eternity.

We have only this moment,

sparkling like a star in our hand -

and melting like a snowflake."

- Francis Bacon, Sr.

Thank you to those who have given me some feedback. After some consideration, I will try to streamline this blog and make it a bit shorter. I suppose it doesn't make sense to expect everyone to want to read an "inkspired  book" every day! :0)

Let me know what you think!

Tip:  Punches

Are your paper punches just not punching as well as when you first used them?

Fold a piece of wax paper (I use 1 sheet folded into fourths.)

Punch through the wax paper several times. Use a toothpick or sewing pin to pick out any pieces of wax paper that may have gotten stuck in the intricate design ones.

Repeat, only this time with a piece of aluminum foil, again folded into fourths.

Punch through several times.

Doing these two steps can really perk up sluggish punches that have been ripping your paper, and encourage them to punch their best!

Here is a great muffin recipe that is easy to make, tastes really good, and is good for you!

OATMEAL MUFFINS

pre-heat oven to 425'

1 Cup quick cooking rolled oats

1 Cup milk

Combine rolled oats and milk; let stand 15 minutes

while you assemble the rest of the ingredients.

1 Cup sifted all-purpose flour

1/3 Cup sugar

3 tsp baking powder

dash of salt

1 well-beaten egg

1/4 cup canola oil or melted shortening (I always use canola oil)

Mix:

Sift flour, sugar, baking powder and salt into bowl.

Combine egg, oil and oatmeal mixture. Add all at once to sifted dry ingredients, stirring just to moisten.

TIP: over mixing muffins make them condensed and tough after baking.

Fill muffin pans 2/3 full. You need to either grease the muffin tins, or use paper baking cups. I like the ease and no-clean-up of the paper ones!

Bake:

425' for 20 - 25 minutes. Makes about 16 muffins.

Let cool a few minutes so the paper wrapping comes off easier.

Add-ins, if desired:

3/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp nutmeg

1 pared and chopped apple

1/2 cup of chocolate chips, or butterscotch chips

1/2 cup raisins or chopped dried apricots

or my husband's new favorite - dried cherries!

Remember, laugh at least once today!

inkspired

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http://www.inkspired.etsy.com/

dominoes@myinkspired.com