Cranberry Orange Muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of one orange
• 1 cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• Optional: Zest of half an orange

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line or grease a muffin tin.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine melted butter, orange juice, egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Gently fold in chopped dried cranberries.
5. Spoon the batter into muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes.
6. While baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, orange juice, and optional orange zest. Drizzle over cooled muffins.

Using Dried Cranberries:

Yes, you can use dried cranberries instead of fresh. Ensure they are coarsely chopped for even distribution in the batter.

Making Muffins Moist:

To make muffins more moist, consider:

• Adding yogurt or sour cream to the batter.
• Using buttermilk instead of regular milk.
• Incorporating applesauce or mashed bananas for added moisture.

Sparkling Sugar vs. Granulated Sugar:

Sparkling sugar has larger crystals that provide a decorative, crunchy texture. It’s not the same as granulated sugar, which has finer crystals. You can use sparkling sugar to sprinkle on top of muffins for a sweet, textured finish.

Variations:

• Nuts: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Citrus Twist: Experiment with different citrus fruits like lemon or lime.
• Spices: Enhance flavors with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Tips and Techniques:

• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best flavor.
• Gentle Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a tender texture.
• Proper Storage: Store in an airtight container to retain freshness.

Storage:

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.