Chewy Orange Raisin Muffins

These are the nicest muffins to serve for a buffet luncheon, or for afternoon tea. They are sticky and chewy (very untraditional), and faintly resembling a macaroon. Please note that they do not contain any butter or cream.

2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 orange, GRATED (about 3 tablespoons)

1 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup chopped yellow raisins

Beat together eggs, sugar and vanilla until mixture is blended, about 30 seconds. Beat in orange until blended. Mix together the remaining ingredients and add, all at once. Stir until dry ingredients are just moistened. Do not overmix.

Divide batter between 12 paper-lined muffin cups and bake in a 350 degrees F. oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until tops are browned and a cake tester, inserted in center of muffin, comes out clean. Serve with a faint sprinkle of powdered sugar.