Oranges...

Oranges... i never knew just how wonderful they are for you... so this post is for the orange lover or soon to be...but nevertheless for the orange!

Taken from Smart Muffins:
Grated Orange Rind:
Grated orange rind is not only for its wonderful flavor, but also for its many important nutrients- vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, trace minerals, and the important bioflavenoids which strengthen cartilage, preventing varicose veins, bleeding gums, and a host of other ailments.
Here's how to have an endless supply: Every time you use an orange, wash it thoroughly with a stiff brush, then dry it. Using a vegetable peeler, peel off the orange layer of skin. Wrap this skin in paper toweling and place it in a warm place to dry. When it is dry and brittle, store it in a jar. When a recipe calls for orange rind, put a handful of these dried rinds in your seed mill, coffee grinder, or blender. You'll have lovely fresh-ground orange rind with an enticing aroma and flavor.

Orange-Date Muffins from Muffin Mania

1 whole orange
1/2 c. orange juice
1/2 c. chopped dates
1 egg
1/2 c. butter
1 1/2 c. flour (reg/whole wheat)
3/4 c. sugar (or other sweetener / i like splenda)
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt

Cut the orange into pieces to remove seeds.

Drop piceces into blender with 1/2 c. orange juice and whirl until peel is finely chopped.

Drop in the dates, egg, and butter. Give blender a short whirl.

Stir together the dry ingredients into medium bowl.

Pour orange mixture over and stir only until moistened.

Bake 375* for 15-20 minutes. Yields -9-10 large muffins

These are simply scrumpish!!! a really tasty treat.