Orange Pecan Muffins

1 medium or large orange, scrubbed
½ cup orange juice
½ chopped dates
1 egg
½ cup margarine (at room temperature)
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
¾ cup sugar
¾ teaspoon salt
Chopped pecans and sugar to top muffins.

Cut unpeeled orange into eighths, remove seeds, place in blender. Add orange juice and dates. Blend until liquefied.

Add egg and margarine, blend again. Into medium-large bowl combine flour, soda, baking powder, sugar and salt. Add blended mixture to flour mixture. Stir just until combined.

Scoop into greased muffins cups. (Makes approx. 18 regular size muffins.) Top with chopped pecans and sugar.

Bake 20 minutes at 350. Batter freezes well.

These muffins are very flavorful and moist!