Zesty Mandarin Sesame Muffins

The surprising combination of mandarin oranges and sesame seeds make for a fruity muffin that isn’t too sweet.

Makes: 24 muffins
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 navel orange
• 1 cup mandarin orange segments
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup Mirage margarine, melted
• 1/2 cup sesame seeds<

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400F (200C). Place muffin liners in a standard muffin tin.
2. Zest navel orange. Set aside.
3. Strain syrup from mandarin oranges. Chop into rough pieces.

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, orange zest, and sugar.

1. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, vanilla, egg, and melted margarine.

1. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in the mandarin oranges.

1. Fill the muffin tins 3/4 of the way up. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

1. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the muffins comes out clean.
2. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Chef Tips

• Sprinkle the muffins with turbinado sugar to add some extra crunch.
• Add a few drops of sesame oil to the wet ingredients for added flavour. Don’t add too much, as sesame oil is very strong.