Orange and Fig Spelt Muffins

Orange and Fig Spelt Muffins

Ingredients

• Nonstick cooking spray , for the pan
• 21⁄4 cups whole spelt flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1⁄ 2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄ 2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup low-fat buttermilk
• 2⁄3 cup agave syrup
• 1⁄ 3 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 large eggs
• 3⁄4 cup (1⁄4-inch dice) dried figs
• Grated zest of 1 orange

Cooking Instructions: 

1. Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 350°F. 
2. Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with the cooking spray.
3. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. 
4. Make a well in the center. Whisk together the buttermilk, agave syrup, oil, and eggs in another bowl, pour into the well, and stir just until blended. 
5. Fold in the figs and orange zest, being careful not to overmix the batter. 
6. Divide the batter among the muffin cups, filling them as full as possible.
7. Bake until the muffins spring back when pressed gently, about 20 minutes.
8. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and serve hot or warm. (The muffins can be cooled and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.)