CONTEST BREADS: Orange Oatmeal Muffins

OATMEAL ORANGE CARROT MUFFINS
An original recipe by BumbleBeeBoogie

1 cup buttermilk
1 cup quick cooking oat flakes
1/3 cup golden raisins or dried cranberries
zest of 1 orange, finely minced, or 1/2 teaspoon dried orange rind
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 cup finely grated carrot
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose whole wheat or white flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoons salt

Preheat the oven at 375 F. Grease or paper line the muffin cups of the 12 cup pan.

In a bowl, soak the oatmeal flakes, raisins, and the orange zest or dried rind in the buttermilk for 15 minutes.

In a large bowl, cream together the egg, sugar, and melted butter until fluffy. Add the grated carrots, vanilla and mix thoroughly.

In another bowl, whisk to combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the oatmeal mixture until just combined; do not over-mix.

Spoon the batter into the muffin cups 3/4 full. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until done.

Makes 12 muffins.