In which Spring is further delayed

I don't have any photographs to back up my title statement. This being Florida, there is no outward sign of frigidity to be seen, so you will have to take my word for it. Granted, I do have a slightly skewed idea of cold from living here through most of my life, where people get out their parkas when the thermometer gets below 60. It is 57 today, and cloudy.

However, I do not want to give the wrong impression. I am enjoying this return to sweaters, scarves, and my ever-beloved trench coat. It will be hot soon enough.

In the meantime a recipe for muffins, comfortingly delicious when eaten warm. (They are like monkey bread, only in muffin form, thus the name.)

Monkey Bread Muffins

2 cups (about 9 oz) flour
4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons (1.5 oz) butter
1 cup (8 oz) milk
Cinnamon and sugar, mixed
Melted butter, about 1 tablespoon (1/2 oz)

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Mix the dry ingredients together and cut in butter, rubbing the butter into the mix with fingers. Make a shallow hole in the center, and add milk slowly. The dough should be soft and pliable, but not sticky. Knead lightly.
Pinch off a small section of dough and roll into a small ball. Dip in butter and roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture, then place into muffin tin. Repeat for entire mixture, using about five little balls for each muffin.
Makes one dozen.