Cherry-Oatmeal Muffins

We love to eat outside, especially for breakfast. Usually that takes the form of some toast with peanut butter and local honey, a handful of grapes, raisins, apricots, or other fruit, and sippy-cups of milk (and a big hot mug of coffee for Mama).

However, there are those among us that crave a little more every once-in-a-while. Especially on the weekends.

Quite frequently we find ourselves out on the porch before the sun even tops the hills. So how to indulge in something a little more special without having to wake up ridiculously early to churn out a four-course breakfast? Muffins, of course. Make 'em oatmeal. Better yet, throw in some fresh pitted cherries. Perfect.

Ten Minute Oatmeal Muffins

This recipe takes only about ten minutes to whip up (not including the time it might take

to pit a few handfuls of cherries, of course). Makes a dozen muffins.

1 C quick oats

3/4 C skim milk

1 1/4 C whole wheat pastry flour

2 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 egg

~1/2 C packed brown sugar (light or dark)

1/8 tsp almond extract

1/4 C melted butter

~1 C pitted sliced cherries

(you could totally sub any other favorite frozen or fresh berry)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and grease a 12-cup muffin tin (or line with paper liners). In a small bowl, combine oatmeal and milk, and set aside. In a larger bowl, mix melted, cooled butter with egg, brown sugar, almond extract, and salt. Add oatmeal/milk mixture and mix well. Sift in flour and baking powder (or just thoroughly mix them together on the side and add them in) and mix until just combined. Fold in cherries or other berries. Scoop into muffin tins (I use a 1/4 cup ice cream scoop), filling each muffin cavity about 3/4 the way full. Bake in pre-heated oven for about 20 minutes, or until golden around edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let 'em sit a few minutes before digging in, or the berry juice will burn your lips! Enjoy!

*Note: if you'd like a great go-to 'Muffin Formula,' check out this link, and toss in some cherries!