www.Gourmandia.com

Cooking recipes at its best: Make a dozen of these moist

muffins Sunday morning to stave off early morning

hunger pangs. Or, better still, set out the ingredients the

night before with the recipe and let the first person up

bake a batch for everyone. The muffins can be made

well in advance and frozen. Perfect with your favorite

healthy meals!

Ingredients:

2 cups (500 mL) mashed bananas 1/3 cup (75 mL) melted butter

1 egg 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla

1 tsp (5 mL) grated orange rind 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) all-purpose flour

1/2 cup (125 mL) granulated sugar 1 tsp (5 mL) baking powder

1 tsp (5 mL) baking soda 1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped dates

1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped pecans 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt

Directions:

1. In medium bowl, beat together bananas, butter, egg, vanilla and orange rind.

2. In large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add dates and pecans; toss lightly. Pour in banana mixture and stir just until combined. Spoon batter into 12 greased or paper-lined muffin cups.

3. Bake muffins in 350°F (180°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until risen and firm to the touch. Let cool on wire racks. (Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.)

4. To reheat, place frozen muffins in paper bag and warm in 300°F (150°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through.