Orangey, Datey, Bran, Muffins

I work in a bakery and start work around 7am. It’s not as early as some of the team but it’s early enough for me,Lol. In my past corporate job, I used to be an ‘eat breakfast and go’ type of gal but my body has changed with menopause and now I need an hour or so after getting up before i eat.

As a result, I have been looking for something that is part savory, part sweet, very convenient and totally mobile, that I can take to work and eat quickly as I start my day giving me a little nudge of energy.

The bran gives a great source of fibre, the dates give a lovely texture and sweetness, and the addition of the orange makes it taste fresh.

The original recipe is by Bill Granger but I reduced the amount of dates and sugar as it was a liiiiitle sweet for my liking. These freeze well so you can batch make and pull when required. These contain whole milk yogurt but you could sub a vegan option.

Yields: 12

Tools:

• Muffin pan

• Muffin cases

• Mixing bowl

• Measuring jug

• Spatula for mixing

• Cookie scoop or spoon

• Scales

Ingredients:

• 150g pitted dates, chopped

• Zest of 1 orange

• 65ml of orange juice

• 80g of soft brown sugar

• 125ml of light flavoured oil (vegetable, canola etc)

• 125g plain yogurt

• 2 eggs, lightly beaten

• 150g unprocessed bran

• 120g plain flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

How:

1. Pre heat the oven to 380F and line a 12 hole muffin tin with paper cases.

2. Put the dates in 180ml of hot water and leave to soak for a few minutes.

3. Whilst these are soaking, put the orange zest, juice, sugar, oil, yogurt, eggs, bran, flour baking powder, and cinnamon in a bowl.

4. Add the dates and the water and gently mix until all combined

5. Spoon or scoop the mixture into the muffin cases and bake for 20-30 minutes until a skewer or knife comes out clean.

Source: Adapted from Bill Granger: Bill’s Basics