FRUITCAKE MUFFINS

Steps:

• Position the rack in the center of the oven, and preheat the oven to 400°F To prepare the muffin pans, spray the holes and the rims with nonstick spray, or put the paper muffin cups into the holes. If using the silicon pans, spray as directed, then place on cookie sheet.
• Combine the cherries,currants, apricots, and brandy in a small bowl and set aside for 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, and allspice in a medium bowl until mixed well. Set aside.
• Place the egg whites in a seperate medium bowl, that is clean and dry. Beat with an electric mixture at high speed until soft peaks form, about 3 minutes. Set aside as well.
• In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks just until lightly beaten, then add the sugar and continue whisking until the mixture is thick and sunny yellow, about 3 minutes. Whisk in the buttermilk, melted butter, honey and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Using a wooden spoon, stir in the fruit and any remaining brandy into the egg yolk mixture, then stir in the pecans until well mixed. Stir in the flour mixture until incorporated. Then gently fold in the beaten egg whites until no streaks of white are visible.
• Fill the prepared pans three quarters full. Use additional greased pans or small, oven proof ramekins for any leftover batter or reserve the batter for a second batch. Bake for 20 minutes or until the muffins are light brown, with firm,rounded tops. A toothpick inserted into one of the muffins should come out clean.
• Set the pan on a wire rack and let cool for 10 minutes. Gently rock the muffins back and forth to release them. Remove them from the pan and let cool on the rack for 5 more minutes. To freeze, let cool completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer proof bags. The muffins will stay fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature or up to 3 months in the freezer.