Cranberry Apple Walnut Muffins

• From: Delicious Living Magazine

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour

• 3/4 cup unbleached white flour

• 3/4 cup yellow cornmeal

• 1 Tbs baking powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp sea salt

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• pinch of ground cloves

• 1 tsp orange zest (grated peel)

• 12 dates, pitted and chopped

• 3/4 cup hot water

• 1/2 cup orange juice

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt

• 2 ripe bananas

• 3/4 cup maple syrup or concentrated fruit sweetener

• 1/3 cup canola oil

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup fresh cranberries

• 2 cups grated apple

• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts

Homemade muffins make a wonderful gift or addition to a holiday brunch. Crack whole walnuts carefully, and use the shells to house tiny presents.

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly oil muffin tins or line with paper muffin liners.
• Put flours, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and cloves in a large mixing bowl; stir and set aside.
• Place dates and hot water in blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add juice, yogurt, bananas, syrup, oil and vanilla extract; blend again. Add eggs and cranberries and pulse for a few seconds, just long enough to break up cranberries.
• Add wet ingredients to dry mixture. Fold in grated apple and walnuts and gently mix together using a minimum number of strokes.
• Fill muffin cups to top with batter. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.