Totoro Family Recipes: Cranberry Orange Muffins

I must admit, I am more a fan of cranberry for the holidays than any other members of the Totoro family.

I really like this particular recipe book because it gives a basic muffin mix that can be used in a variety of different ways - savory as well as sweet.

The quick mix recipe yields enough for several batches of muffins, but it can keep up to two months in the refrigerator. A perfect on-hand starter for unexpected holiday company.


Quick Mix Recipe:

• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup powdered buttermilk
• 1.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter

Directions for Quick Mix:

1. Blend flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt and powdered buttermilk in a large bowl.
2. Cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles course cornmeal.
3. Store mixture in a tightly covered bowl in refrigerator (up to 2 months) or freezer (up to 4 months).

Cranberry Orange Muffins

Ingredients:

• 4 cups Quick Mix
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoon orange rind
• 1 cup chopped nuts (I prefer pecans)
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 can (8 ounces) whole cranberry sauce

Directions:

1. Stir together Quick Mix, sugar, grated orange rind, and chopped nuts.
2. Mix eggs, orange juice, and cranberry sauce together well.
3. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Stir until moistened.
4. Fill greased mini-muffin tins about 2/3 full.
5. Bake at 375 degrees approximately 15-18 minutes or until golden brown

For a bit of added decoration... I often sprinkle course sugar on top before baking.

This post is part of BethFishRead's Weekend Cooking Link-Up. For more delicious recipes, please visit her weekly blog feature.