Macadamia and Date Muffins

Recipe courtesy of Australian Macadamias.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups halved, unsalted macadamia nuts
1/2 cup macadamia oil (or substitute cooking oil)
1/2 cup raw (turbinado) sugar (or substitute brown sugar, packed)
2 tablespoons maple syrup
3 large eggs
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
Zest of 2 oranges
2 cups buttermilk
3 1/8 cups whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
2 cups untoasted muesli
1 cup chopped, seedless dates

Cooking Directions:

1. Spread the nuts out on a baking tray and roast at 325°F (160°C) until golden, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove and cool on paper towels.
2. Combine the oil, sugar, syrup, eggs, fruit juice, zest and buttermilk.
3. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, spices and baking soda. Add the muesli and dates and mix well. Make a hole in the center and stir in the liquid ingredients with a wooden spoon, mixing well to combine.
4. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside for one hour before baking to allow ingredients to soften. (Mixture can also be left overnight, covered, in the refrigerator.)
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Remove mixture from refrigerator and stir in the nuts. Spoon batter into greased muffin tins.
7. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Makes 15 muffins.

Recipe and photograph courtesy of Australian Macadamias.