Moist, orange-scented muffins loaded with bits of dates.

Orange Date Muffins

1 orange
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup chopped dates
!/2 cup butter
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

1. Quarter unpeeled orange and remove the seeds.
2. In a food processor fitted with the steel blade, blend the orange with peel, chopped dates, butter, and egg until the mixture is combined well and the rind is ground fine. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
3. Sift into the bowl flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add to the orange mixture, and stir until just combined; the batter should be lumpy. Spoon the batter into greased muffin tins, filling two-thirds full.
4. Bake in a preheated 400°F (205°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on a rack for 5 minutes.

Makes 1 dozen muffins.