Cran-Orange Muffins

Serves: 12, freezes well.

Prep Time: 10 min

Cooking Time: 13-15 min

Total:  25 min

Ingredients

1 cup dried cranberries

2 cups hot water

1 1/2 cups flour (white or whole wheat)

1/4 cup sugar (or less if cranberries are sweetened)

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 cup orange juice

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup oil or unsweetened applesauce

1 egg

zest of 1 orange

1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional, but recommended)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, soak dried cranberries in hot water and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
3. Add vanilla, orange juice, water, oil or applesauce, egg, and zest.  Mix well.
4. Drain water from soaking cranberries. Add cranberries and chocolate chips to the batter and mix together.
5. Spoon into a greased muffin tin or a muffin tin lined with paper cups, and bake in a 400 F preheated oven for 13-15 minutes.
6. Test with a toothpick to check when it is done, and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Adapted from backtoherroots.com