You can use either fresh dates or plump moist dried dates for this recipe. This one is a particular favourite!

Ingredients

• 2 medium oranges
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups chopped dates
• 3 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• pinch salt
• 1 cup caster sugar
• ½ cup each milk and orange juice
• 150 grams butter, melted and cooled

Method

1. Cut the oranges into quarters, place into a food processor and process until finely chopped. Add the eggs and dates and process until the dates are roughly chopped.
2. Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar into a large bowl and make a well in the centre.
3. Stir in the orange-egg mixture, milk and orange juice and fold in the melted butter.
4. Divide evenly among 12-16 well-greased muffin tins.
5. Bake at 220ºC for 15 minutes until the muffins are well risen and golden. Serve dusted with icing sugar and orange butter.
6. Orange butter
7. Whip 250 grams softened butter with the grated rind and juice of 1 orange. Keep refrigerated. Makes ½ cup.