DATE AND MAPLE SYRUP MUFFINS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 200°C Brush 12 medium, 80mls (1/3 cup) muffin pans with the melted butter to grease.
• Place the butter, dates, maple syrup and water in a small saucepan. Cover and heat over medium heat for 6 minutes, stirring Occasionally, or until the butter has melted. (See microwave tip at end of directions.)
• Remove from the heat and stir in the milk.
• Sift together flour and mixed spice in large bowl and return husks to bowl.
• Add date mixture and eggs and stir with a large metal spoon until just combined. Don't overmix - the mixture should be lumpy.
• Spoon mixture evenly into the greased muffin pans and bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until browned and cooked through when tested with a skewer.
• Turn muffins onto a wire rack and brush the tops with some of the extra maple syrup. Serve with the extra butter and drizzled with the remaining extra maple syrup.
• Notes & tips.
• Note: These muffins are great eaten hot from the oven, but are just as delicious at room temperature. They will keep well in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, place on baking tray, cover with foil and place in oven preheated to 180°C for 10 minutes.
• Microwave tip: place butter, dates, maple syrup and water in a medium heat-resistant, microwave-safe bowl or jug. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes on Medium-High/650watts/70% or until the butter has melted.