Apple Crunch Muffins

Can you believe this crazy March weather? We're excited about the onset of spring, but for now, here's a great weekend muffin recipe.

It's my absolute favorite and is a great way to incorporate your apples this week!

Plus, they are moist with a crunchy pecan topping and won a county prize in a state grand baking contest!

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Main ingredient: Granny Smith Apples

What you'll need:

• 1 1/2 cups sifted flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 1 egg, slightly beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded granny smith apples
• Nut crunch topping (Mix together 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup chopped pecans, and 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon in a small bowl)

Instructions:

1. Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon into mixing bowl. 
2. Cut shortening with pastry blender until fine crumbs form. 
3. Combine egg and milk--add to dry ingredients all at once, stirring just enough to moisten. 
4. Stir in apples. 
5. Spoon batter into paper-lined 2 1/2-inch muffin-pan cups, filling two-thirds full.
6. Sprinkle with nut crunch topping
7. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes (or until golden brown. 
8. Serve warm with a glass of cold milk--delicious!