Banana-Date Orange-Scented Muffins

These muffins are chock-full of wholesomeness like oats, bananas and dates, scented with both cinnamon and orange peel.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups quick or old fashioned oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup chopped dates
3/4 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 medium)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons grated orange peel

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line twelve medium muffin cups with paper baking cups or lightly grease bottoms only.
2. In large bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and dates; mix well.
3. In medium bowl, combine buttermilk, banana, egg, oil and orange peel; blend well. Add to dry ingredients all at once; stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. (Do not overmix.)
4. Fill muffin cups almost full.
5. Bake 20 to 22 minutes or until golden brown. Cool muffins in pan on wire rack 5 minutes; remove from pan.

Makes 12 muffins.