Pecan, Cranberry, & Orange Muffins

Brain Healthy Ingredients: Nuts, Red berries

Serves: 12 muffins

Cranberries are an excellent source of high-quality antioxidants, which help maintain a healthy brain.

Be sure not to overmix the batter or it may become tough. Mix it just long enough to combine the ingredients fully, but no more.

Ingredients

• ½ cup + 2 Tbsps all-purpose flour
• ½ cup + 2 Tbsps whole wheat flour
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• 1/3 cup superfine sugar (also known as caster sugar)
• ¼ cup pecans, roughly chopped
• Zest of ½ orange
• 1 egg
• ¾ cup milk
• ½ stick butter, melted
• 2 tsp orange juice
• ½ cup cranberries

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a 12 cup muffin pan with paper liners.
2. Sift the two flours and baking powder into a large mixing bowl, then stir in sugar, pecans, and orange zest.
3. In a small mixing bowl, beat together the egg, milk, melted butter, and orange juice.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and beat with a wooden spoon until just combined.
5. Add the cranberries and stir briefly. (Do not overmix or the muffins will be tough.)
6. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin liners, filling to around 2/3 full. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until the domes are lightly golden and firm to the touch.
7. Remove muffins from the oven. Allow to cool slightly, and serve while still warm.