Apple Spice Muffins

I had a wonderful time at our ladies retreat last weekend. The weather was perfect, not too hot, but the mornings were quite cool by the lake. Some of the maple trees already had some reddish leaves and the sumac growing along the road was brilliant with burgundy color! It has been dark and rainy here the last two days with a chill in the air, so I can say it definitely feels like fall, my favorite time of year! I have some fresh apples waiting to be used for some luscious dishes, so I'm starting with these apple muffins. I've adapted this delicious recipe from an old Woman's Day magazine that I bought when I was first married and we love these muffins as much now as then. These moist, cinnamon muffins are a great addition to breakfast or a perfect snack any time of day with a cup of hot coffee or tea. Give them a try!

APPLE SPICE MUFFINS

1 1/2 cups flour (sometimes I use 1 cup AP flour and 1/2 cup whole wheat)

3/4 cup sugar

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. soda

2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. cloves

1 1/2 cup peeled, chopped apples ( I used Jonathans this time)

2 eggs, beaten

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup melted butter ( 1 stick)

1/2 cup chopped walnuts, optional

In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, soda and spices. Add the chopped apples and nuts, if using and toss to coat. In a small bowl, mix eggs, buttermilk and melted butter together. Pour into the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Grease muffin tins or use paper liners. Fill muffin tins 2/3 full. Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for about 15-20 minutes, until a toothpick comes clean when poked in the center. This will make about 15 regular sized muffins. The aroma of apples and cinnamon wafting through the house is a delicious way to enjoy fall! What's your favorite time of year?