Cranberry Orange Muffins

1 1/2 cups sugar
2 cups dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
2 beaten eggs
1 1/2 cups orange juice
1/3 cup olive oil (vegetable oil is fine ... we're olive oil snobs)
2 tsp grated orange peel

Preheat oven to 375*. Mix all ingredients together. Place by spoonfuls into greased muffin pan. Sprinkle tops with sugar. Bake at 375* for 18-20 minutes. Makes 24 muffins.