Quick and Easy Summer Muffins

Don't we all love to see those words, 'quick and easy?' Here's a recipe I can assure you from start to finish takes a half hour and they are so yummy!

Brew 2 tsp. of any fruit-flavoured tea in 1 cup of hot milk for 5 minutes. Try Lady Baker's Island Strawberry or Berry Hip Rooibos, for example.  Strain and pour over 1 cup of oats. Let sit. While oats are soaking in milk, put together 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, 1 tsp. salt and 1 tsp. baking powder in a medium bowl. Whisk together 1 egg and 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a small bowl. Put all the ingredients together and mix with a wooden spoon just 'til blended.

I've discovered the wonder of parchment paper baking cups and use them all the time for muffins.  After pouring the mix into the muffin cups, push a fresh or frozen berry down into the middle of the batter. Sprinkle with a little white sugar for a bit of a crunchy top. Bake at 400 oven for 20 minutes. This recipe makes 12 medium-size muffins.

To make a perfect afternoon treat when your friend stops in, serve these with the same fruity iced tea. I just happened to do that yesterday when a good friend arrived on my front verandah! There was a gentle breeze coming off the harbour and we enjoyed a visit over tea and muffins!