MUFFIN FEVER.

  My parents are the best! I woke up this morning to my mom moving my door back and forth so that I could smell these fantastic beauties. After shoveling down two of them, I decided the world needs to experience the tropical-party-in-your-mouth-goodness that is....Orange Coconut Muffins.

Makes: 12 muffins
Prep: 20 minutes
Bake: at 375 degrees for 18 to 21 minutes

Topping:
1/3 cup sweetened flake coconut
1/4 cup sugar
1 tbsp margarine (we use butter), at room temperature
1/2 tsp grated orange rind

Muffins:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup orange juice
1/4 cup (a half of a stick) margarine or butter, melted
1 egg
1 can (11oz) mandarin orange segments, drained


1. Heat oven to 375. Coat 12 muffin-pan cups with nonstick vegetable-oil cooking spray or line cups with paper liners.
2.For the batter, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl.
3. Mix together orange juice, melted butter and egg in a medium-size bowl.
4. Make a well in the middle of the flour mixture. Add the orange juice mixture to the well. With a wooden spoon, stir the liquid into the flour mixture just until combined and the flour mixture is evenly moistened. Gently stir in the drained mandarin orange segments.
5. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, dividing batter equally, about 1/2 cups each.
6. Now for the topping. Gently stir together flake coconut, sugar, butter and orange rind in a small bowl until well blended. Sprinkle topping evenly over top of each muffin.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 18-21 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centers of the muffins comes out with a few crumbs clinging to the pick.
8. Let muffins stand in muffin cups on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Gently remove muffins from pan, loosening sides with a small metal spatula if necessary. Let muffins cool upright on wire rack.


This isn't a secret family recipe or anything. I think we got it online. (: Nevertheless, if you make them, comment and let me know what you think!
<3-GM