APPLE CHEESE MUFFINS 1/2 cup margarine, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1.1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt, 3/4 cup rolled oats, 2/3 cup grated sharp cheese, 1/4 cup milk 1 cup apple pie filling, chopped apple or applesauce, 1/2 cup nuts Preheat oven to 375oF, prepare pans. Cream margarine & sugar. Add eggs & beat well. Sift flour, soda & salt & stir into creamed mixture. Stir in oats, apple cheese & nuts, mixing well. Add milk last. Spoon into pans & bake for 20-25 mins or until done. Makes 18 muffins. APPLE STRUDEL MUFFINS 2 cups self-raising flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 egg, 2/3 cup milk, 1/4 cup butter 1 medium grated apple, 1 Tbsp grated lemon rind Topping: 1 Tbsp grated lemon rind, 1/4 cup walnuts, 2 Tbsp sugar Preheat oven to 400oF, prepare pans. Put flour & sugar in bowl, rub in butter until crumbly. Reserve 1/2 cup of this mixture for topping. Beat egg, add milk. Add dry mix to wet mix until just combined. Gently stir in apple & 1 Tbsp rind. Spoon into muffin tins. Add reserved crumb mix to remaining topping ingredients & sprinkle over each muffin. Bake for 20 mins or until done. APPLESAUCE OATMEAL MUFFINS 1 cup flour, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup oil, 2/3 cup applesauce, 3 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt 3/4 cup rolled oats, 1 egg, 1/3 cup milk Preheat oven to 375oF, prepare pans. Mix dry ingredients well with a fork. Beat egg, then add oil & milk, stir in applesauce. Add the dry mix to the wet mix until just combined. Spoon into pans & bake for 20 mins or until cooked. APRICOT GRAHAM MUFFINS 1.1/2 cups graham or whole-wheat flour, 1/2 cup toasted wheat germ 3 Tbsp granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots, 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts 5 Tbsp melted & cooled butter or margarine, 2 large eggs 1 cup unflavoured yoghurt, about 3 Tbsp brown sugar Preheat oven to 375oF, prepare pans. Mix flour, wheat germ, sugar, b/pdr, soda, apricots & nuts. Blend butter, eggs & yoghurt. Add dry mix to wet mix until just combined. Spoon into pans & sprinkle each muffin with brown sugar. Bake until edges are golden brown & centre is firm to touch, about 20 mins. Makes about 12. 206 calories per muffin. Recipe courtesy of Sunset Magazine April 1990. BACON MUFFINS 6 rashers bacon, 2 cups sifted flour, 3 tsp baking powder, 1 Tbsp sugar 1/4 tsp salt, 1 beaten egg, 1 cup milk, 2 Tbsp bacon fat OR melted butter 1/2 cup grated cheese Preheat oven to 400oF, prepare pans. Fry the bacon until crisp, drain & reserve the bacon fat, chop bacon. Stir together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt & cheese. Mix the egg, milk & bacon fat or butter. Add the dry mix along with the bacon to the wet mix until just combined. Mixture will be somewhat lumpy. Spoon into cups & bake for about 25 mins or until done. Makes 15 medium or 12 large muffins. BIRDSEED MUFFINS 1 cup flour, 1 cup wholemeal flour, 1/4 cup sesame seeds, 1 Tbsp poppy seeds 1/4 cup sunflower seeds, 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds, 2.1/2 tsp baking powder 1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup honey, 1 Tbsp golden syrup, 1/2 tsp cloves 2 beaten eggs, 1 cup low-fat milk Preheat oven to 350oF, prepare pans. Melt the butter with the honey, golden syrup & cloves until the mixture dissolves; set aside to cool. Mix the flours, seeds & baking powder together. Add the dry mix to the wet mix until just combined. Spoon into pans & bake for 20 mins. Sprinkle tops with sesame or poppy seeds if desired. This is a super-healthy muffin. Makes 12. Nutritional Value: Energy - 140 calories per muffin. BLUEBERRY MUFFIN CAKE 4 oz plain wholemeal flour, 8 oz plain white flour, pinch salt, 1 tsp b/powder grated rind 1 orange, 6 oz light brown sugar, 8 oz blueberries or bilberries 2 eggs, 1/4 pint milk, 1 oz melted butter, milk to glaze, demerara sugar Line a 7.1/2" cake tin with cake liner or greaseproof paper. Set oven to 425oF (220oC, Gas Mark 7). Sift the flour, salt & baking powder. Stir in the orange rind, sugar & berries. Whisk the eggs, milk & butter together. Stir the liquid mixture into the dry mix & mix well. Transfer to the lined tin. Bake above the centre of the oven for 35 mins. Remove the cake from the oven, glaze with milk & sprinkle with the demerara sugar. Return to oven to bake for a further 5 mins. Serve warm or cold. Note: You can also make muffins with this recipe. Reduce baking time to 20 mins. Brush with milk, sprinkle with sugar & return to oven for 5 mins. BRAN & RAISIN MUFFINS 8 oz wholemeal flour, 3 level tsp baking powder, good pinch salt, 1 egg 1/2 cup brown sugar slightly heaped, 1/2 cup bran flakes, 1 cup raisins 1/2 pint milk, 6 Tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil Preheat oven to 400oF, prepare pans. Mix flour, b/pdr, salt & sugar, stir in bran & raisins. Beat egg, milk & oil together. Add dry mix to wet mix until just combined. Spoon into pans & bake for 15-20 mins or until well risen. Makes 9-10 muffins. BANANA & PASSIONFRUIT MUFFINS 1.1/2 cups flour, 3 cups bran flakes, 2 tsp baking powder, 3 tsp cinnamon 3 mashed bananas, 1 tsp passionfruit syrup, 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup milk 1/2 cup golden syrup, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tsp baking soda Preheat oven to 375oF, prepare pans. Combine flour, bran, b/pdr, cinnamon & bananas. Heat the butter, golden syrup, sugar & milk in a pot, add the baking soda & passionfruit syrup. Add the dry mix to the wet mix until just combined. Spoon into pans & bake for 15 mins or until golden brown. Makes 12 large muffins. 268 calories per muffin. BLUEBERRY CORNMEAL MUFFINS 1 cup flour, 2/3 cup yellow cornmeal, 1/3 cup sugar, 2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 large eggs, 1 cup sour cream 1/4 cup salad oil, 1 cup blueberries fresh, frozen or canned & drained Preheat oven to 400oF, prepare pans. Combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, soda & salt. Beat eggs with sour cream until blended, beat in oil. Add dry mix to wet mix until just combined adding blueberries with the last few stirs. Spoon batter into pans & bake for 18-20 mins or until lightly browned. Makes 12. 189 calories per muffin. Recipe courtesy of Sunset Magazine July 1988 (USA). BLUEBERRY PUMPKIN MUFFINS 1.2/3 cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp allspice, 1 cup canned solid pack pumpkin 1/4 cup undiluted evaporated milk, 1/3 cup shortening (butter/margarine) 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar, 1 egg, 1 cup blueberries, 1 Tbsp flour Streusel Topping: Combine 2 Tbsp flour, 2 Tbsp sugar & 1/4 tsp cinnamon. Cut in 1 Tbsp butter until mixture is crumbly. Preheat oven to 350oF, prepare pans. Combine first 6 ingredients. Combine pumpkin & evaporated milk until blended. Cream shortening & sugar in large mixer bowl, add egg, beat until mixture is fluffy; mix in pumpkin mixture. Add flour mixture to wet mix until just combined. Coat the blueberries with the tablespoon of flour and gently mix into mixture. Spoon into pans & sprinkle with streusel topping. Bake for about 40 mins or until toothpick inserted in centre comes out clean. Makes 12-18 muffins. Recipe courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens Magazine November 1988. BREAKFAST MUESLI MUFFINS 1.1/2 cups untoasted muesli, 1.1/2 cups milk, 1/3 cup peanut oil 1 tsp vanilla essence, 2 Tbsp golden syrup, 1 cup flour, 2 tsp baking powder 1.1/2 cups wholemeal flour, 1 tsp allspice, extra muesli for top Preheat oven to 350oF, prepare pans. Mix the muesli with 1 cup of the milk; soak for 5 mins. Combine the oil, remaining milk, vanilla, golden syrup & muesli mixture. Mix together the dry ingredients, add to the wet mix until just combined. Spoon into pans, sprinkle tops with 1 tsp of muesli each, bake for 15-20 mins. Makes 12. Nutritional Value: Energy - 216 calories per muffin. Keep a batch of these in the freeze & heat them in the oven or microwave when in a hurry to get to work or time is short! CARROT MUFFINS Wet Mix - 3 eggs, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup oil, 1 cup plain yoghurt 1 cup grated carrot, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts Dry Mix - 3 cups self-raising flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp cinnamon Preheat oven to 400oF, prepare pans. Beat together the eggs, sugar, oil & yoghurt. Add the carrot & walnuts. Fold in the previously combined dry mix. Place in muffin pans & bake for 20-25 mins. Makes 12. Variations: Carrot & Honey: Omit the sugar & add 1/2 cup honey to the wet mix. Increase the cinnamon to 2 tsps. Carrot & Pineapple: Omit the yoghurt from the wet mix & add 1 cup crushed pineapple. 1/2 cup currants may be added to the wet mix if desired. Carrot & Sesame: Replace the walnuts with 1/2 to 3/4 cup toasted sesame seeds & 1/2 cup sultanas (golden raisins). Zucchini: Substitute grated raw zucchini for grated carrot in any of the above recipes. Add 1 tsp of vanilla essence to the wet mix. CHEESY HAM MUFFINS 1 cup milk, 2 beaten eggs, 2 tsp sugar, 1/3 cup butter melted, 3 tsp b/powder 1.1/2 cups flour, 1.1/2 cups cooked rice, 1/4 cup chopped ham 1 cup jarlsberg cheese, grated Preheat oven to 400oF, prepare pans. Combine milk, eggs, sugar & butter. Sift flour & baking powder into a bowl, stir in rice, cheese & ham. Add this to wet mix until just combined. Spoon into pans & bake for 30-35 mins or until firm & golden. Serve warm with butter if desired. Makes 12. CHOCOLATE BOURBON MUFFINS 3/4 cup flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup softened lightly salted butter or margarine, 1 egg 1 square (1oz) melted semisweet chocolate, 1 Tbsp bourbon, 1 tsp vanilla 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup chopped pecans Preheat oven to 400oF, prepare pans. In a bowl mix first three ingredients. In another bowl cream butter & sugar until light & fluffy, beat in chocolate, egg, bourbon & vanilla. Add dry mix to wet mix until just combined, stir in chips & nuts. Spoon into pans & bake for 15-20 mins or until done. Makes 9. These muffins freeze well. CORNMEAL MUFFINS 1 cup flour, 1 Tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup white sugar 1 cup cornmeal, 1/2 cup butter or margarine, 1 egg, 3/4 cup milk Preheat oven to 375oF, prepare pans. Mix dry ingredients together & stir in cornmeal. Melt butter, add egg & milk & combine well. Add dry mix to wet mix until just combined. Spoon into pans & bake for 15-20 mins. Serve hot! Makes 8 large muffins. An old fashioned Waterloo County favourite. Variation: Add 1/2 cup corn niblets or 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon. CORNMEAL HAM MUFFINS 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup oil, 1 cup yoghurt, 2 eggs, 1 cup chopped cooked ham 2.1/2 tsp baking powder, 3 tsp dry mustard, 1/2 cup coarse cornmeal 1 cup flour Preheat oven to 375oF, prepare pans. Put the first five ingredients into a bowl & mix well. Mix remaining ingredients, add to wet mix until just combined. Spoon into pans & bake for 15-20 mins. Makes 12. A very nice savoury muffin. CORNMEAL & WHOLEMEAL MUFFINS 2 eggs, 2 cups yoghurt, 1 Tbsp honey, 1 Tbsp oil, 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 cup wholemeal flour, 1 cup fine cornmeal, 1 cup coarse cornmeal Preheat oven to 375oF, prepare pans. Put the first four ingredients into a bowl and mix well. Add the remaining premixed ingredients & blend until just combined. Spoon into pans & bake for 15-20 mins. Makes 12. A hearty, healthy muffin! FEIJOA & GINGER MUFFINS (This one is for the Aussies & Kiwis, unless you know someone with a Feijoa Tree!) 1.1/2 cups flour, 1 cup wholemeal flour, 2 tsp ground ginger, 1 cup milk 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 cup raw sugar, 1 cup milk 1/4 cup (50g) butter, 1 tsp vanilla essence, 1 beaten egg 1 cup chopped feijoas Preheat oven to 180oC (350oF), prepare pans. Mix together the flour, ginger, baking powder & soda & sugar. Rub in the butter until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Combine the liquid ingredients, add the dry mix and feijoas until just combined. Spoon into pans & bake for 15 mins. A small slice of crystallised ginger may be placed on top of each muffin before baking if desired. Makes 12. Nutritional Value: Energy - 703 kilojoules (167 calories) per muffin. Feijoa - A waxy green fruit about 3" long. Although it is not a guava you may know it as a Pineapple Guava. Feijoa sellowiana is an evergreen shrub, growing to 10-16 ft. It thrives in subtropical regions but is hardy & once established will tolerate moderate frosts. They are either eaten raw (with or without the skin) or made into jellies, sauces & chutneys. FIG & ORANGE MUFFINS 2 cups sifted flour (sift before measuring), 3 Tbsp sugar, 1/2 tsp salt 1 Tbsp baking powder, 1 egg, 1/4 cup melted butter or salad oil, 1 cup milk 1/2 cup chopped dried figs, fresh grated rind of 1 orange Preheat over to 410oF, prepare pans. Sift flour again with sugar, baking powder & salt into bowl. Beat egg with butter & stir in milk. Add dry mix to wet mix until just combined. Spoon into pans & bake for about 25 mins or until well browned. Makes 10 muffins. FOUR-CHIP DOUBLE-NUT MUFFINS 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup firmly packed light-brown sugar, 2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt, 2/3 cup milk, 2 lightly beaten eggs, 1 tsp vanilla 1/2 cup melted & cooled lightly salted butter or margarine 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup milk-chocolate chips 1/2 cup butterscotch chips, 1/2 cup peanut butter chips 1/3 cup chopped walnuts, 1/3 cup chopped pecans Preheat oven to 400oF, prepare pans. In a bowl mix the first four ingredients, in another bowl mix the next four. Add the dry mix to the wet mix until just combined. Stir in chips & nuts. Spoon in pans & bake for 15-20 mins or until done. Makes 12. These muffins freeze well. FUDGE FILLED PEANUT BUTTER MUFFINS 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips, 1 Tbsp unsalted butter or margarine 1.2/3 cups flour, 1/2 cup firmly packed light-brown sugar, 1/4 tsp salt 1 Tbsp baking powder, 3/4 cup milk, 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/3 cup oil 1 lightly beaten egg, 1.1/2 tsp vanilla, 1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts without skins (optional) Preheat oven to 400oF, prepare pans. In a small saucepan (or microwave) heat chocolate chips & butter until melted, stirring constantly; remove from heat & reserve. In a bowl stir together flour, sugar, b/pdr & salt. In another bowl stir together milk, p/butter, oil, egg & vanilla. Add dry mix to wet mix until just combined. Spoon half of batter into pans. Divide chocolate mixture among muffins, a scant teaspoon per pan; do not let filling touch sides of pan. Spoon remaining batter over filling. Sprinkle tops of muffins with chopped peanuts if desired. Bake for 20-25 mins or until lightly browned. Makes 9 muffins. Variation: A ripe banana cut into 1/2" thick slices & dipped in orange juice may be used instead of the fudge filling. HAWAIIAN MUFFINS Dry Mix: 2 cups flour, 1/3 cup sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt 1 jar (3.1/2 ozs) salted roasted chopped macadamia nuts (about 1 cup) 2/3 cup flaked coconut, 1/2 cup chopped dried pineapple Wet Mix: 3/4 cup milk, 1/2 cup melted & cooled butter or margarine 1 lightly beaten egg, 1 tsp vanilla Preheat oven to 400oF, prepare pans. In a bowl combine first 4 dry mix ingredients, stir in rest of dry mix ingredients to coat. In another bowl mix together the wet mix ingredients. Add dry mix to wet mix until just combined. Spoon batter into pans & bake 15-20 mins or until done. Makes 12. These muffins freeze well. HEALTHY HEART MUFFINS 3 egg whites, 3/4 cup low-fat milk, 1 cup low-fat yoghurt 3/4 cup apple sauce, 2 cups wholemeal flour, 1/2 cup folled oats 1/2 cup oat bran, 3 tsp baking powder, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 cup raisins 1/2 cup chopped apricots Preheat oven to 350oF, prepare pans. Beat the egg whites lightly then add milk, yoghurt & apple sauce. Combine flour, rolled oats, bran, b/pdr, cinnamon, raisins & apricots. Add the dry mix to the wet mix until just combined. Spoon into pans & bake for 20 mins. Makes 12 muffins. Nutritional Value: Energy - 156 calories per muffin HIGH-FIBRE MUFFINS 4 egg whites, 1 cup skim milk, 1/2 cup plain low-fat yoghurt 1/4 cup fruit juice, 2 grated apples, rind & juice of 1 lemon 1/2 cup currants, 1/2 cup chopped prunes, 3 tsp baking powder 1/2 cup sultanas (golden raisins), 1.1/2 cups wholemeal flour 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup oat bran, 1/2 cup baking bran 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp allspice Preheat oven to 350oF, prepare pans. Lightly beat the egg whites, add milk, yoghurt & fruit juice. Pour the lemon juice over the grated apple to prevent browning. Add the lemon rind & all the fruit to the wet mix, combine well. Mix together the flour, rolled oats, brans, b/pdr & spices. Add the dry mix to the wet mix until just combined. Spoon into pans & bake for 25 mins. Makes 12 muffins. Nutritional Value: Energy - 180 calories per muffin HONEY-CARROT-DATE MUFFINS 1/4 cup butter or margarine, 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 cup milk, 2 eggs 1.1/2 cups flour, 1 heaped tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt 1 cup grated carrots (2 medium), 1 cup pitted chopped dates Melt butter & honey, stir in eggs & milk & beat. Combine dry ingredients & stir thoroughly. Add to wet mix until just combined, fold in carrots & dates. Bake at 375oF for 15-20 mins. Makes 10 large muffins. Delicious when heated & served with butter, cream cheese or marmalade. WHOLE-GRAIN HERB-CHEESE MUFFINS 1/4 cup minced onion, 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper, 3 Tbsp salad oil 2 Tbsp honey, 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 cup milk, 2 large eggs 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese, 1.1/2 cups whole-wheat flour 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp dry thyme leaves 1/2 tsp dry tarragon leaves, 1/2 tsp salt, optional Preheat oven to 375oF, prepare pans. In a frying pan cook onion & pepper in 1 Tbsp of the oil until limp, about 7 mins, stirring often. Mix remaining oil, honey, mustard, milk, eggs & cheese. In another bowl, stir together flour, cornmeal, b/pdr, herbs & salt. Add the dry mix to the wet mix with the onion mixture, stir until just combined. Spoon into pans & bake for 20-25 mins or until well browned. Makes 12. 170 calories per muffin. HONEY APRICOT MUFFINS 1.1/2 cups flour, 1.1/2 cups oat bran, 1 cup chopped pecans, 1/2 tsp salt 3 tsp baking powder, 1.1/2 tsp apple pie spice, 1 cup honey, 2 egg whites 4 Tbsp safflower oil, 16 oz can apricot halves in extra-light syrup chopped finely with syrup reserved Preheat oven to 325oF, prepare pans. Combine first 6 ingredients (salt is optional). In another bowl combine honey, oil, egg whites, apricots & syrup; add dry mix to wet mix until just combined. Spoon into pans and top with extra pecan halves if desired, bake 25-30 mins or until cooked. Makes 18 muffins. Recipe courtesy of the Sunset Magazine (USA) HOT CROSS MUFFINS 2 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp allspice, 1 cup milk, 1 lightly beaten egg 1/2 cup melted & cooled butter or margarine, 1 tsp vanilla 1/2 tsp grated orange peel, 1/2 tsp grated lemon peel, 1 cup currants Glaze: 1/3 cup confectioners sugar, 1.1/2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon or orange juice, or water Preheat oven to 375oF, prepare pans. In a bowl combine first 6 ingredients. In another bowl stir together rest of ingredients except currants. Add dry mix to wet mix until just combined, stir in currants. Spoon into pans & bake for 15-20 mins or until done. Cool 5 mins before removing muffins from pans. For glaze, combine ingredients & drizzle over each muffin to form a cross. Serve warm. Makes 12. These muffins freeze well. An easy to make substitute for hot cross buns. JAM & COCONUT MUFFINS 2.1/2 cups flour, 3 tsp baking powder, 1/2 heaped cup caster sugar, 1 egg 1.1/4 cups coconut, 1 tsp vanilla essence, 1.1/4 cups milk, 3 Tbsp jam 6 Tbsp vegetable oil, little extra coconut Preheat oven to 400oF, prepare pans. Sift flour & baking powder, stir in sugar & coconut. Beat egg, vanilla, milk & oil together. Add dry mix to wet mix until just combined. Place a large tablespoon of batter into each pan, add a teaspoon of jam to each and the rest of the batter. Sprinkle tops with a little coconut. Bake for 25-30 mins or until well risen & firm to the touch. Makes 9-10 muffins. LEMON BREAKFAST MUFFINS Dry Mix - 1 cup flour, 1 heaped tsp baking powder, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tsp salt Wet Mix - 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, 2 eggs finely grated rind of 1 lemon Topping - 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 Tbsp lemon juice Preheat over to 375oF, prepare pans. Combine dry ingredients & blend well. Melt butter, remove from heat & stir in juice, eggs & rind. Add dry mix to wet mix until just combined. Spoon into pans & bake for 15-20 mins or until nicely browned. Remove from pan while warm & dip in topping. Variation: A cup of raisins added to this batter makes this a delicious muffin for any time of day. Topping: Combine melted butter & juice, measure sugar into separate dish. Dip top of muffins into butter then sugar. LINZERTORTE MUFFINS Dry Mix: 2 cups flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt. 1 tsp cinnamon 1/8 tsp ground cloves Wet Mix: 1/2 cup firmly packed dark-brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup softened butter or margarine, 1 lightly beaten egg 1 tsp grated lemon peel, 1/2 tsp vanilla, 1 cup milk 3/4 cup ground blanched hazelnuts (filberts) 1/4 cup seedless raspberry jam Preheat oven to 400oF, prepare pans. Combine dry mix. In another bowl cream sugars with butter until light & fluffy; beat in egg, peel & vanilla, stir in milk. Add dry mix to wet mix until just combined. Stir in hazelnuts. Spoon half of batter into pans, place 1 tsp of jam in centre of each muffin; do not let jam touch sides of pans. Spoon remaining batter into pans & bake for 15-20 mins or until lightly browned. Makes 12. These muffins freeze well. MARMALADE MUFFINS Wet Mix - peel of 1 grapefruit & 1 orange, 1.1/2 cups buttermilk, 1 cup sugar 1 tsp salt, 1/2 cup butter or margarine Dry Mix - 1.3/4 cups flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda Preheata oven to 375oF, prepare pans. Cut complete fruit skins into blender, add buttermilk and grind fine. Add sugar, salt & butter & blend. Stir dry mix ingredients together & pour wet mix over, stirring just to moisten. Bake for 20 mins or until done. Makes 12 muffins. Note: These are a really piquant muffin, ideal for breakfast. For a slightly sweeter taste, while warm dip in melted butter & white sugar. Absolutely scrumptious! MARZIPAN RASPBERRY MUFFINS 1 package (7 ozs) almond paste, 2 Tbsp seedless raspberry jam, 2/3 cup sugar 2 cups flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup milk, 1 tsp vanilla 1/2 cup melted & cooled butter or margarine, 1 lightly beaten egg 1/4 tsp almond extract, 3/4 tsp flaked coconut, 24 whole blanched almonds Preheat oven to 400oF, prepare pans. Slice almond paste into 24 equal pieces; form each piece into 1.1/2" diameter circle (or small enough to fit into your size pans without touching the sides). Top centre of 12 circles with 1/2 tsp jam; top with remaining circles, press edges to seal. Set aside. In a bowl, stir together flour, sugar, b/pdr & salt. In another bowl, stir together milk, butter, egg, vanilla & almond extract until blended. Add dry mix to wet mix until just combined. Stir in coconut. Spoon half of batter into pans, place an almond pocket horizontally on top of each portion of filling;do not let almond paste touch sides of pans. Spoon remaining batter over paste & top each muffin with 2 almonds. Bake 15-20 mins or until lightly browned. These muffins freeze well. Makes 12. Note: Muffins can also be prepared by cutting almond paste into 12 equal pieces & rolling each into a ball. Use this as the filling, without the jam; proceed as above. Serve muffins with jam. MOIST DATE MUFFINS 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1 cup date filling, 3/4 cup flour, 1 egg 1 cup sour milk or buttermilk, 1 Tbsp melted shortening, 1.1/2 cups bran 1 tsp baking soda Date Filling: 1 cup chopped dates, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 cup hot water, 1 tsp lemon juice. Mix date filling ingredients & simmer until thickened. Preheat oven to 375oF, prepare pans. Measure sugar, egg, salt, shortening & date filling into a bowl. Beat vigorously until smooth. Add bran. Add flour & baking soda, then milk. Stir ONLY to moisten ingredients. Spoon into pans & let stand for 3 mins. Bake for 20 mins or until done. Makes 12 deliciously tasty & moist muffins. Note: Shortening may be anything you wish ie butter, margarine, oil etc. MAPLE SYRUP & CHERRY MUFFINS 1/2 cup margarine, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 beaten eggs, 1 tsp vanilla essence rind & juice of 1 lemon, 1 cup low-fat yoghurt, 1 cup flour, 1 tsp cinnamon 1 cup wholemeal flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 cup chopped cherries 12 whole cherries (optional) Preheat oven to 400oF, prepare pans. Blend the margarine & syrup thoroughly. Beat in the eggs followed by the lemon rind & juice, vanilla & yoghurt. Gently fold in the previously mixed dry ingredients then the chopped cherries, do not overmix. Spoon into pans, top with whole cherries if desired, bake for 20 mins or until cooked. Makes 12. 203 calores per muffin.