Marzipan muffins anyone?????

Here is the recipe for the marzipan muffins I made the other night, totally addictive for those that love marzipan and there is a hidden layer of it half way through the muffin, complete indulgence I believe!!!! and oh so Christmassy! Will upload piccies at some point!

INGREDIENTS:
250g mixed dried fruits
grated zest and juice 1 medium orange
175g softened butter 175g golden caster sugar
3 eggs , beaten 300g self-raising flour
1 tsp mixed spice
½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
5 tbsp milk
175g marzipan

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.

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.

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.

Top each muffin with another peice of marzipan, I usually use a star cutter for this in then brush with beaten egg or milk.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, until risen, golden and firm to the touch. Leave to cool.

I always find that these are best the next day!