Mothers Day Smoked Ham and Orange Muffins

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup raisins
• zest of one orange

Topping for muffins

• juice of one orange
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 lb thinly sliced smoked ham

For spread

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons quince jelly

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven at 400 and spray the muffins with non-stick spray.

2. 2

   With an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and beat until fluffy.

3. 3

   In a large bowl combine the flour, salt and baking soda and add to the sugar-butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk. Stir until well mixed.

4. 4

   In a food processor, grind the raisins and orange zest. Add to batter and combine. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins and bake into golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean, about 12 minutes. Remove the pans to a baking rack. Brush the tops of the muffins with orange juice and sprinkle lightly with sugar. Let cool completely.

5. 5

   For spread mix butter and quince jelly.

6. 6

   Cut the ham into small pieces. Split the muffins in half, spread the quince butter and stuff with a small amount of ham. Cover with muffin top and serve.