Simnel muffins

• mixed dried fruit250g g
• medium orange↗grated zest and juice 1
• softened butter175g g
• golden caster sugar↗175g g
• eggs↗3

  beaten

• self-raising flour↗300g g
• mixed spice1 tsp tsp
• freshly grated nutmeg½ tsp tsp
• milk↗5 tbsp tbsp
• marzipan175g g
• icing sugar↗200g g
• orange juice↗2 tbsp tbsp

  for mixing

• mini eggs

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Tip the fruit into a bowl, add the zest and juice and microwave on medium for 2 minutes (or leave to soak for 1 hour). Line 12 deep muffin tins with paper muffin cases.

2. 2

   Preheat the oven to fan 180C/ 160C/gas 4. Beat together the butter, sugar, eggs, flour, spices and milk until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes) – use a wooden spoon or hand held mixer. Stir the fruit in well.

3. 3

   Half fill the muffin cases with the mixture. Divide the marzipan into 12 equal pieces, roll into balls, then flatten with your thumb to the size of the muffin cases. Put one into each muffin case and spoon the rest of the mixture over it. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until risen, golden and firm to the touch. Leave to cool.

4. 4

   Beat together the icing sugar and orange juice to make icing thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon. Drizzle over the muffins and top with a cluster of eggs. Leave to set. Best eaten within a day of making.