Orange Chai Spice Date Muffins

Muffin Batter

• 1/2 cup hot water or orange juice
• 3/4 cup pitted dates minced
• 1/4 cup figs minced (or skip the figs and make the dates a full cup)
• 1 egg (use 2 tablespoons of flax powder in a tablespoon of water for vegan)
• 1/3 cup oil
• 1 orange zested
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1/8 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1 pinch black pepper
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 cup whole wheat flour MINUS 2 Tablespoons ( Use the full 1 cup if using all purpose flour)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/3 cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts or your choice)
• 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
• 1/4 cup coconut shreds (optional)

Glaze

• cream cheese icing with 1 teaspoon of orange zest.