Christmas Morning Muffins

 Fruitcake in a muffin. Quick and easy to make and full of festive flavour

2 cups mixed dried fruits (can soak in rum or orange juice in advance)
1½ cups self raising flour
⅓ cup plus 1 tbsp milk
⅔ cup plus 1 tbsp white castor sugar or brown sugar
1 stick plus 1 tbsp butter
3 eggs
2 tablespoons of brandy or orange juice (optional)
1 teaspoon of orange zest
1 teaspoon of mixed spice or cinnamon powder

• Preheat oven to180
• In a bowl, sift in the self raising flour, spices, orange zest and castor sugar. 
• Add mixed fruits and stir until well combined. 
• Make a well in the centre.
• In another bowl, add melted butter, eggs, alcohol or orange juice and milk. stir until well mixed.
• Pour the liquid ingredients onto the dry ingredients, use a fork or spoon to stir until well mixed. 
• A bit lumpy is acceptable for muffins. 
• Over stirring or mixing will result in chewy muffins as gluten have developed.
• Fill up the muffin cup to at least 80% of the muffin cup
• Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. 

Recipe: Guai Shu Shu