orange, cranberry and coconut muffins

if you need a little sunshine in your rather ordinary morning, this is the muffin for you. it has the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. the coconut and orange juice bring a tropical touch that is perfect for when winter seems to be dragging on and on. Delicious as a quick breakfast or a snack on the go, you must give them a try, you will not regret it.

these muffins are sprinkled with a mixture of sugar and orange zest which gives them a delicious crunchy texture. If you are however trying to cut down your sugar intake, don't worry about substracting that step. the flavour of the muffins will not suffer.

here's the recipe:

ingredients:

• 1 1/3 cup sugar (divided)
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries
• 3 teaspoons grated orange zest
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup orange juice

instructions:

1. preheat oven to 425.f
2. line 2 muffin tins with 18 paper liners.
3. mix together 1/3 cup sugar and one teaspoon of orange zest and set aside. 
4.  in a bowl, mix cranberries with 2 tablespoons boiling water and set aside.
5. mix together the flour, baking powder and salt and set aside.
6. beat together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
7. beat in the eggs and vanilla.
8. gradually beat in the milk and orange juice.
9. gradually mix in the flour mixture.
10. fold-in the cranberries (minus the water) and 2 teaspoons orange zest
11. divide the muffin mixture into the 18 paper liners
12. sprinkle with the sugar/orange zest mixture.
13. bake for 16-18 minutes.
14. enjoy!