Apple Muffins

Directions

1. 1
   In a bowl, toss diced apples with sugar; pour the oil over the top; stir well; set aside at room temperature for 45 minutes.
2. 2
   Position rack in the center of oven; preheat oven to 400.
3. 3
   Spray muffin pin indentations/rims with nonstick cooking spray.
4. 4
   In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg; set aside.
5. 5
   Using a wooden spoon, stir the milk and eggs into the apple mixture until smooth; stir in the flour mixture until moistened.
6. 6
   Fill muffin tins 3/4 full; bake 25 minutes or until the muffins have rounded, slightly cracked tops; pick inserted into the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
7. 7
   Set pan on a wire rack; cool for 10 minutes; gently rock the muffins back and forth to release them; cool muffins on rack 5 minutes; serve.
8. 8
   *Apple Cheddar Muffins: sprinkle each muffin with 1 tablespoon shredded Cheddar cheese before baking.
9. 9
   *Apple Cherry Muffins: stir 3/4 cup dried cherries into the diced apples before adding the sugar and oil; proceed as directed.
10. 10
    *Apple Cranberry Muffins: stir 3/4 cup chopped fresh cranberries into the diced apples before adding the sugar and the oil; proceed as directed.
11. 11
    *Apple Pecan Muffins: add 3/4 cup chopped pecans with the flour; proceed as directed.
12. 12
    *Apple Raisin Muffins: add 3/4 cup dark raisins into the diced apples before adding the sugar and the oil; proceed as directed.