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Make the Buttered-Rum Coconut 'Kiss': Melt butter over medium-high heat in a small saucepan. Cook for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully, until the butter turns nut-brown (this is called 'beurre noisette') and is very fragrant - be careful not to burn. Immediately remove from heat and add sugar, rum and coconut. Combine well to mix butter and rum throughout and to cool slightly. Stir in egg, combining well. Using a rounded teaspoon as a measure, separate the coconut mixture into 12 portions and roll them into balls, resembling meatballs. Space apart on a plate and put in refrigerator to firm up while preparing the muffin batter.
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2
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (170 degrees Centigrade).
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3
For Muffins: Cream butter for 1 minute. Add sugar and beat 4 more minutes, or until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
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4
In separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, orange zest and juice and sour cream.
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In a third bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients.
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Stir 1/3 of the flour mixture into the creamed butter mixture; mix in 1/2 the pumpkin puree mixture and add another 1/3 of the flour mixture. Stir in remaining pumpkin puree and flour and mix well.
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Distribute batter evenly among 12 well-greased or paper-lined muffin cups. Place a coconut 'kiss' onto the top of each muffin and press in so nearly half the kiss is immersed in batter.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the muffin batter comes out clean.
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9
Enjoy!
