When I was pregnant with my first child I was living in a isolated town in an unfamiliar state. Due to the lack of medical facilities you were advised to leave town at 36 weeks gestation. My husband was not able to join me until 38 weeks. I could have been alone with my great big belly, in my rented accommodation, if I didn’t have an amazing Aunty. Without hesitation she jumped on a plane and joined me. Together we survived an intense heat wave with no air conditioning, and the many guessing games that nearing your due date brings. My daughter was born hours before my Aunties flight home, and we were thrilled that they got to meet each other.
Skip ahead a few years and this same wonderful Aunty again boards a plane to come and help me out at the end of my second pregnancy. We needed someone to look after our daughter so that my husband could be with me for the birth of our baby. My Aunty had only been with us for a couple of days when our little man came roaring into the world, needless to say her help in those early weeks was invaluable and I cried and cried when it came time for her to go.
I could write a thousand stories about this lady, about her kind heart, her generous nature, and her unconditional love. She reminds me so much of my Gran, both of them can only see my good points and love me for the quirky little being that I am. I may not have a Sister, I no longer have my Gran, but I have this Aunty, and she takes on many roles.
My Aunty asked me to make date and orange scones, I am sure this is not entirely what she had in mind but we think they are delicious. I hope you do too.
Date and Orange Muffins
1 1/2 cups of almond meal/flour
12 medjool dates, seeds removed, finely chopped
zest of one orange
juice of one orange
3 eggs
40 grams melted butter or coconut oil (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon bicarb soda (baking soda)
pinch of salt
Preheat your oven to 175 Degrees Celsius or 350 Degrees Fahrenheit.
Grease a 12 hole muffin tin.
In a mixing bowl combine the almond meal / flour and stir through the chopped dates, add the remaining ingredients, mixing to combine as you go. Spoon the mixture evenly into your muffin tin. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and an inserted skewer comes out cleanly. Enjoy!