Simple Muffins

Last week I had a tough week. Part of my job responsibilities are customer-service based, and it seemed like everyone last week had some kind of gripe or complaint. WHAT'S THE DEAL, PEOPLE?? Maybe all these Chicagoans are cranky from staying up late to watch hockey. (They aren't as hardy as us Canadians- they only tune in during the play-offs.) Either way, it was tough. It's hard to remember to stay positive, and not to let other people's bitterness in. Pip pip!

After a week like that I am happy to come home at the end of the week, roll up my sleeves, and do something simple and easy with a high payoff.

I've been making these muffins since I was little, and they are the easiest and most adaptable recipe in my repertoire. Make them banana, choc chip, apple cinnamon, blueberry, whatever. Make them healthier by swapping out the oil with banana, the flour with whole wheat, cut the sugar and add nuts and seeds. Really the possibilities are endless.

Muffins

• 1 1/2 c flour 
• 1/2 c sugar (scant) 
• 2 tsp baking powder 
• 1/4- 1/2 tsp salt 
• 1 egg 
• 1/2 c milk 
• 1/4 c oil 
• add in of your choice (coconut, blueberries, apples and cinnamon, chocolate chips, shredded carrots and raisins, etc). 

Stir together dry ingredients. Make a well in the centre, and stir in the moist ingredients just until wet. Do not overmix. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.