Spring-series II.

With the warmer weather here, we've got the recipe of the great lemon sparkle cupcakes for a perfect picnic. So spring into it!

Lemon Sparkle Cupcakes

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream 2/3 cup of shortening and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy.
Add 3 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Combine 2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with 2/3 cup of milk, beating well after each addition. Stir in 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel.Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. 

Combine topping ingredients: 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel and 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg; sprinkle a rounded 1/2 teaspoonful over each cupcake. Bake 20-24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

 Sometimes we may forget to focus on what will make us happier, like being outside and seeing the amazing flowers and tree blossoms right outside our doors. Of course work and daily eating and exercising can add happiness, but when we focus on what can bring more happiness this springtime, it can inspire us to take action on planting that garden or planning that vacation or reaching out to friends to go have more outdoor fun, or buying that new bike to take out on trails.