Very Merry Christmassy Muffins

This is a very easy and satisfying muffin recipe which you can enjoy anytime of the year.
However, somehow, the flavour of almond, orange and dried fruit creates a very Christmassy aroma.
It's a great treat coming back from a brisk wintry walk to have these with a warm drink of coffee, tea or even mulled wine. :)
These are best as they are still warm. But they can be reheated by oven or microwave.

Ingredients (for 10 muffins)   

• 1 egg
• 60ml of veg oil 

• 125ml of milk

• 100g caster sugar 

• 200g self-raising flour 

• 75g dried cranberries 

• 75g raisins

• 50g of mixed peel 

• Zest of half an orange

• 1/2 tsp of almond extract 

• A handful of flaked almonds 

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a muffin tray with 10 cases.
2. Whisk the egg until it is well combined, then add milk, oil and sugar and continue to whisk.
3. Using a sieve, add the self-raising flour, cranberries, raisins, mixed peel, orange zest and almond extract to the egg and gently mix in.
4. Pour the batter into cases and top with some flaked almonds. Then bake for around 20 minutes until they have risen and are lightly golden.
5. Allow them to cool and then dust the top of the muffins with some icing sugar.