Classic Orange Muffins

 

Ingredients: (makes 10)

180 g. plain flour (sifted)

1/3 cup caster sugar

2 tsp. baking powder (sifted)

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup Naturel Blend Canola & Sunflower Oil/vegetable oil

1 large egg

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Zest of 1 orange

1/4 cup fresh orange juice

Methods:

1. In a medium bowl, add in flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.  Use a whisk or spoon to stir everything together until it's well combined.  This helps the baking powder spread out evenly, so all your muffins will rise beautifully.
2. In a mixer bowl, add the milk, oil, egg, vanilla extract, orange zest and orange juice.
3. Using a hand whisk, whisk these together until everything is nicely blended, then pour the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients.  Gently mix with a spatula until the flour is wet.  Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay.  Over mixing can make the muffins tough.  Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin lined with paper liners.  Fill each cup about three-quarters full.
4. Bake the muffins in a preheated oven of 175 degree Celsius for 18-22 minutes, or if a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
5. Remove from oven and let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then remove them to a wire rack to cool completely.

I adapted this recipe from 'Kitchen Cookbook' with a slight adjustment to suit my baking preference.