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.

Spring-series

“When spring came, even the false spring, there were no problems except where to be happiest. People were always the limiters of happiness except for the very few that were as good as spring itself.”  Ernest Hemingway

Spring is the most anticipated, exciting, and blessed season of the year.  The cold weather, low temperatures, bracing wind, and even occasional snow and ice all pass away.  The deadness of the trees, the barrenness of the gardens, and the colorless grass pass away, to be replaced with refreshing showers, delightful temperatures, and bright sunshine of March, April, and May.  The summer’s burning rays and burdensome heat have not yet arrived. Spring is a delightful time.

For most people that means getting outside and seeing everything bloom, including us. Spring offers warmer days and lighter and longer evenings, which means we are more inclined to exercise and spend outdoor time and activities with friends.

To make things a little easier, we made this sort for the first week of spring, that will help you keep yourself cheering and enthusiastic!