Sunshine Surprise Muffins

• 1 large kumquat, chopped fine, seeds removed (or 2 tablespoons orange zest)
• 1/3 cup pineapple orange juice (or orange juice)
• 1/3 cup orange liqueur (or orange juice)
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup plain nonfat yogurt
• 3 eggs
• 3 tablespoons kumquat or orange marmalade
• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unbleached white whole wheat flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Other ingredients:

• 12 1-inch cubes of light cream cheese, cold (mine were more like blobs and I’m not sure they were 1-inch)
• 2 tablespoons orange marmalade (for glaze)

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk all the wet ingredients together till they’re well mixed.
3. Add the dry ingredients and fold to combine, just until moistened. Be careful not to over-mix the batter.
4. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with liners or spray with cooking spray. Fill muffin cups 1/4 full, plop the cream cheese cube into the center, then top the cream cheese with additional batter.
5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until muffins are baked and golden in color. Remove from oven and glaze with orange marmalade.

This recipe was shared at Cast Party Wednesday, Tastetastic/It’s a Keeper Thursdays, Weekend Potluck, and Katherine Martinelli’s Citrus Bloghop.