Cherry Orange Poppy Seed Muffins

These orange-scented poppy seed muffins, laced with dried tart cherries, are wonderful served with breakfast, brunch or afternoon tea.

Recipe Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup dried tart cherries
3 tablespoons finely grated orange peel

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cups.
2. Combine flour, sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add milk, melted butter and egg, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Gently stir in cherries and orange peel. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full.
3. Bake 18 to 22 minutes, or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool in pan 5 minutes. Remove from pan and serve warm or let cool completely.

Makes 12 muffins.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of the Cherry Marketing Institute.