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| Mesqute-Date Muffin (Sonoran Desert Delight) |
Climate
change has got us thinking in new ways.
As we continue our sixth (or is it seventh?) year of drought, Southern
California gardeners are starting to consider Sonoran Desert plants for their
gardens. We’ve highlighted several types
of Sonoran Desert natives in recent talks: Plants
of the Sonoran Desert - https://www.slideshare.net/cvadheim/sonoran-desert-2018
and Gardening with and for Shade - https://www.slideshare.net/cvadheim/shade-2018
.
Many
Sonoran Desert trees/large shrubs have edible seeds or pods. Among the best are the Mesquites (genus Prosopis). Dried mesquite pods can be ground into a
delicious, nutritious flour that can be used in many ways. Its flavor, which is
difficult to describe, just begs experimentation! The flour is sometimes available through
natural foods stores or can be ordered from on-line sources.
We
thought you might enjoy this recipe that combines three flavors from the
Sonoran Desert: Mesquite, dates and chia seeds.
We modified a date muffin recipe to include the mesquite flour and chia.
We think we’ve got a winner - they
disappeared really fast during the Theodore Payne Garden Tour!
Mesquite-Date Muffins
(Sonoran Desert Treats)
Ingredients
1/2 cup chopped dates
1/2 cup boiling water 1/4 cup shortening (can substitute margarine or butter for all or part)
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup mesquite flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional but sets the taste)
2 Tablespoons chia seeds
1. Place dates in a small bowl and add boiling water; let
stand for 10 minutes (do not drain). Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat
shortening and sugar until crumbly, about 2 minutes. Beat in egg.
2. Add dates; beat on low speed until blended. Combine the
flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt and chia seeds; stir into date mixture
until just blended.
3. Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350°
for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes
before removing from pan to a wire rack. Muffins may be frozen for up to 3
months. Yield: 8 muffins.
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We
encourage you to send us your questions, comments and recipes (either comment
below or e-mail to us at : mothernaturesbackyard10@gmail.com
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