Cherry Orange Poppy Seed Muffins

2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/2 cup dried tart cherries
3 tablespoons grated orange peel

Combine flour, sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add milk, melted butter and egg, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Gently stir in cherries and orange peel. Fill paper-lined muffin cups 3/4 full.

Bake in a preheated 400-degree oven 18 to 22 minutes, or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool in pan 5 minutes. Remove from pan and serve warm or let cool completely.

Makes 12 muffins
Source: Cherry Marketing Institute