Sailor Jacks

Raisin and spice mixture:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
4 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp salt (opt.)
1 tsp ground ginger
3/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1 cup water
1/2 cup raisins
2 tbs molasses

Muffin batter:
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup oat flour
1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg

Glaze (optional):
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp milk

Make raisin and spice mixture, preferably night before: Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan and cook, stirring occasionally, over medium heat, until mixture comes to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from the heat adn let cool, overnight if possible.

Preheat oven to 375. Prepare muffin pans.

Make batter: Whisk together flours, oats, baking soda, and powder in a medium mixing bowl. Add cooled raisin and spice mixture, oil and egg. Stir to combine -- don't beat or it'll become tough.

Divide batter between muffin pan, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Bake until cake test inserted into the center comes out clean, about 20 to 23 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then turn onto rack to finish cooling.

Glaze: Mix ingredients until smooth and drizzle over cooled muffins. Traditionally these are served upside-down with glaze on the bottom. We don't usually bother with the glaze though.

Makes 1 dozen muffins