These are great anytime, but seem especially nice at the Christmas season. Fresh cranberries are used here, but you can use frozen ones as well.
Makes 12 regular muffins.
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
3/4 cup sugar
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 cup fresh cranberries, sliced
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/3 cup butter or margerine
finely grated rind of one orange
1 cup orange juice
1 egg
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease 12 muffin cups.
In a large bowl, blend flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. Stir in the cranberries and almonds.
In a saucepan, melt the butter, and cool slightly. Add orange rind and juice to the butter, and whisk in the egg.
Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until the mixture is moistened. Spoon into muffin cups, and (if you wish) top with a pinch of sugar and a few sliced almonds. Bake for 18 - 20 minutes.
Serve warm with butter and jam!! Enjoy!!