Sweet Potato-Orange Blossom Mini Muffins

on
Monday, March 30, 2009








Sweet Potato-Orange Blossom Mini Muffins

Cooking spray
1/3 cup quick cooking oats
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar, plus 1/2 cup
3 tablespoons finely chopped crystallized ginger
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus 1 1/2 cups
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into tiny pieces
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup mashed cooked North Carolina sweet potato
1/2 cup orange juice
2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line mini muffin pans with mini muffin liners; spray with cooking spray.

In a small mixing bowl, stir together oats, walnuts, 1/4 cup brown sugar, crystallized ginger, and 2 tablespoon flour until combined; knead in butter using fingertips until well combined and mixture starts to clump together.

In a medium sized mixing bowl, sift together additional 1 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together additional 1/2 cup brown sugar, eggs, sweet potato, orange juice and orange zest until well combined; stir flour mixture into sweet potato mixture until just combined. Divide batter into 3 dozen mini muffin cups. Sprinkle oat-walnut mixture evenly over tops. Bake for 16-18 minutes or until risen and golden brown.

Makes 3 dozen mini muffins

54 comments on "Sweet Potato-Orange Blossom Mini Muffins"
  1. I'm sorry you didn't win the cook-off -- I'm sure you did great though! I'm looking forward to reading all about it.

    And I'm also OBSESSED with sweet potatoes -- love the idea of these muffins! (I also can't stop watching Big Love -- why is it so fascinating??)

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  2. Sorry to hear you didn't win the cook off! I look forward though to hearing about your NY adventures Em...and in the mean time I can enjoy your wonderful scrumptious post.

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  3. Yes, yes, yes...we should all just calm down!!!!! I like the idea of these muffins in mini size...sometimes a muffin is just too much for me to handle!!!

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  4. Re the contest - Sorry to hear that! Perhaps you might want to give RRay's cooking contests a whirl next time. Did you get to enjoy your Cinnabon in the airport?- I bought Cinnabon raisin bread (new) yesterday in the supermarket yesterday and can't wait to try it :)

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  5. I think I could eat the muffin topping alone with a glass of milk! :) I'm sad you didn't win, but looks like you had a very cool time! Nikki is one of my favs from the show. Hope NYC treated you well!

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  6. Sorry you didn't win, but at least you weren't as dumb as someone I know to try Absolut and hot tea. No really.

    Alas, the muffins looks amazing!

    NAOmni

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  7. The recipe sounds great and is a keeper for me. I will try this. I love sweet potatoes and so does my family. Too bad you didn't win, but I'm glad that you did get to compete. What a great picture!!! Can't wait to hear how it all went....

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  8. Aww no worries about not winning, girl - I'm proud of you for getting into the competition!! Hooray!!

    And those muffins = wowza. I love ANYTHING with...


    SWEET POTATOES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  9. Oh I was really hoping you would win. Your muffins look delish though!

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  10. I DEMAND A RECOUNT! You deserved to win but it looks like you still had a great experience. Can't wait for more details and yum...sweet potatoes!

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  11. So is Hosea was weird IRL as he was on the show? (Well duh! Of course he is if you didn't win. What was I thinking?)

    People who don't like your jokes are like the people who don't give your food top prize - They're creepy and weird!

    No butter in the muffins and they're still good? You are one impressive cook!

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  12. oh Emily - you looked gorgeous in your photo! the sweet potato orange mini muffins look packed full of yummy stuff!

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  13. I've been missing your sense of humor and your beautiful pictures and recipes... Why are there so many beautiful blogs out there?
    North Carolina is a bit far away from my house, but I could try with my veggies corner shop... will I see the light like you do?

    Too bad you didn't win sweetie... next time for sure!!!

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  14. These are really cute, I like the crumbly topping and fun name. I agree, sweet potatoes are thee best...ready to hear the NY details, what a fun experience!

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  15. You'll get them another time. But at least you got a trip to nyc out of it (i'm sure that doesn't boost your spirits, but I've been dying to go back to nyc).
    I finally got a new mini muffin pan and will have to try these cuties out.

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  16. Welcome back..looking forward to more details of the trip.That's awesome that you met Hosea and Nikki.

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  17. Sorry you didn't win but think of all the exposure so it is a win, win situation.Don't you just hate it when people voice their opinion and don't get it:D

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  18. you look like a new yorker....and what is taylor swift?

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  19. 1) Hosea?!! Holy Mother of Oatmeal! No wonder he didn't recognize your obvious greatness.
    2) Taylor Swift makes clothes?
    3) What would possess you to eat pickles while drinking citrus vodka?
    4) What’s Steak ‘n Shake? That sounds really gross, like a steak milkshake.
    5) Big Love IS the greatest.
    6) I’m guessing you must have entered the North Carolina Sweet Potato recipe contest. Good Luck! Aren’t those what we Northerners call YAMS?
    7) Great recipe.

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  20. Aw, sorry you didn't win the cookoff, but I bet you had tons of fun and I'll look forward to hearing about the experience! Muffins look yummy :)

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  21. So sooy you didn't win, but I'm sure you had fun still, plus you got to go to NY and that's always exciting! Can't waith for the detailed posts ut meanwhile thanks for the mini muffins, it's nive to have something to munch on!

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  22. You're posts entertain me so much! I'm sorry that you didn't win, but I hope the trip was fun anyway! These muffins look great. I've never baked with sweet potatoes but I'm seeing more and more recipes that include them. I can't wait to try out these.

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  23. So exciting!!!! I can't wait to hear all the details :) Sorry you didn't win. BOOO to the judges! (although so cool you got to meet them!) As for the muffins... YUM! Me and sweet potatoes are best friends :)

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  24. Hahaha@Taylor Swift.

    Sometimes...I like to sing along to "Love Story" alone while driving.

    Sorry you didn't win but exposure is a win by itself.

    And those muffins look delish.

    Jenna (KaTom)

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  25. I'd be happy to chilax with one of those delicious looking muffies!! :)

    Can't wait to read all about your adventures. Sorry to hear you didn't win -- but I'll bet the experience was a reward in and of itself.

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  26. The muffins look super tasty! Sorry you didn't win, but you should be way proud of yourself. You are amazing. Can't wait to hear more!

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  27. They definitely do look like the bee's knees!

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  28. I can't wait to read your story. Sorry you didn't win-I keep crossing my fingers for the culinary school dream to come true.

    Am I missing something about Taylor Swift?

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  29. This is a good choice for me to foray into cooking with sweet potato...I love them too. Sweet potato fries...MMMMMMMMM.

    Sorry to hear about the cook off, but what a great experience anyway! :)

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  30. I am sorry you didn't win, keep your chin up, you are going to be big. I can't agree with you about the Big Love thing, it is a break off of my religion and they are telling some sacred things they shouldn't. I can't condone that sorry! These on the other hand I can condone! They look great!

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  31. I can't wait to read more about your adventures in NYC! I am sorry you didn't win, though. What were the judges thinking? I guess they just didn't see your greatness.

    These muffins sound absolutely wonderful! I am not a huge sweet potatoes fan, but I am sure that I can be swayed!

    ;) amy

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  32. Sorry you didn't win, but a free trip to NYC makes it better, right? I love sweet potato, so I'd love these!

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  33. Sorry you didn't win! My hubby is OBSESSED with sweet potatoes. I am trying so hard to love them like he does. You'll have to try the sweet potato soufle (sp?) on my blog. It's the only sweet potato other than sp fries I like so far

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  34. I LOVE BIG LOVE!!!!!! Isn't it one of the best show's ever?!?!?! these sound so delicious! i love the orange blossom. what a great combo.

    and i'd just like to say, quaker oats can suck it.

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  35. These little muffins are screaming my name. Yum! I'm sorry you didn't win but I'm looking forward to reading about your adventures.

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  36. How cool hosea and nikki!!! bummer about the cookoff, but we love you and these muffins are a winner :)

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  37. Sorry you didn't win the cook off- but I'll bet you had a good time in NYC, though.

    I agree with the Steak 'n' Shake sentiment. Really, you should stick with a burger.

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  38. Those look delicious!
    Can't wait to read all about the contest!

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  39. Sorry you didn't win. They just chose the wrong person! But I'll bet you had a great time in good ol NYC!

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  40. Very creative - love the sweet potato mini-muffins!

    I'm sorry you didn't win, but I'm sure it was a fabulous experience and I'm already looking forward to your recap!! How cool you got to meet Hosea and Nikki!

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  41. Sorry about the contest. Thanks for the sweet potato mini muffins, I love sweet potato. Bookmarking for sure! Love the humor!

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  42. I cannot believe you didn't win. I'm questioning those judges' taste despite the awesome pic with them. Ugh, well, we all know that you deserved the win. These muffins look AWESOME. Go NC!! I went to Chapel Hill undergrad, so your post about NC sweet potatoes comes at a perfect time (for the NCAA tournament). Hmmm, what else? Well, you have my hungry (although pickles and vodka didn't sound appetizing)...glad you're back. Can't wait to hear more!

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  43. YUM! I never thought to combine sweet potato and walnuts - awesome!

    Christie @ Fig & Cherry

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  44. i'm sure the experience and schmoozing were worth it even though you weren't victorious. don't worry--you'll get your break. :)
    meanwhile, anything with southern sources can't be bad, and i'm loving your muffins. :)

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  45. OOOH I am sorry you didn't win!! But you are a great cook & baker in my eyes!
    These baked goodies look delicious!! Lovely written as well!!

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  46. Delicious looking recipe. Love the flavor of sweet potatoes and oranges together. Great post!

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  47. I was so hoping you would win Emily. Next time for sure. And I love the photo of you and Hosea. He was my favorite contender and I was happy he is Top Chef. Although I really did like Fabio.

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  48. Big love makes me want to be a polygamist too!

    Sorry you didnt win. Keep on keeping on!

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  49. I'm loving this recipe!

    With all the recipes that you make using oatmeal, I'm seriously surprised Quaker hasn't hired you yet to run their marketing.

    Sorry you didn't win, but you rock in my book (not sure if that would actually make you feel better though :) haha)

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  50. These look so good! I loved the beginning photo and the list...too cute!

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  51. Hi! Now this is what muffins should look like ;) Love the idea of using sweet potato in this way - although they're pretty hard to come by where I live. Too cold for growing them!

    Lovely photographs too. You must have had an amazing time at the cook-off, winner or not. Keep inspiring us!

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  52. LOL - vodka and pickles - hmmmm... Love your muffins - they look so bright and cheerful.

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  53. Hmmm. Who in the world would post negative things on your blog? It's so happy and fun? Don't understand it.
    Love these muffins. And candied ginger in the topping?!? Amazing.

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  54. Em, I'm distraught for you, I was sure this was going to be the one for you. Deepest commisserations, my friend. But you are young - there will be lots more opportunities heading your way, of that you can be sure.

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