Preheat oven to 400F. Grease 18 (1/4 c.) muffin cups.
In a bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade,
combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt;
process for 5 seconds. Transfer to a piece of waxed paper.

In the food processor, combine dates and 1/4 c. sugar,
process until dates are coarsely chopped, about 8 pulses.
Cut orange into eighths and seed.
Add orange pieces to food processor and pulse
until they are finely chopped.
Add the remaining 1/2 c. sugar, butter, egg and orange juice.
Process until well blended, about 25 seconds.
Add the reserved flour mixture and pulse
just until they are incorporated. Do NOT overprocess.

Divide the dough evenly among the prepared muffin cups
and bake in the preheated oven until firm to the touch
and lightly browned, about 15 min.
Makes 18 muffins.