Orange Honey Muffins with Dates

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 orange, washed, seeds removed, and cut into large pieces
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 egg
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 cup chopped dates
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Directions

1. Set the oven for 400 degrees F, then coat a 12 cup muffin tin with butter. Add the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda to a large bowl, and whisk them so everything is evenly combined.
2. Put the orange pieces into a food processor and pulse until they turn into a coarse puree. Add the orange juice, egg, butter, and honey, then process for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, stopping when the mixture is nearly smooth.
3. Scrape the orange mixture into the bowl with the flour mixture. Fold it together only until the dry streaks disappear, then stir in the dates.
4. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups. Scatter the sugar over the tops.
5. Bake the muffins for about 15 minutes, until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.