Macadamia & Apple Muffins

Directions

1. 1
   Pre-heat oven to 180C and grease a 12 cup muffin tray.
2. 2
   Combine sugar, eggs and maple syrup in a medium bowl and whisk until thick and smooth.
3. 3
   Sift flours and cinnamon together in a large bowl and add chopped macadamia nuts.
4. 4
   Add bicarbonate of soda to buttermilk, stir until dissolved, then add buttermilk immediately to flour mixture, along with sugar-and-egg mixture and chopped apple.
5. 5
   Fold in gently until just combined.
6. 6
   Spoon mixture into muffin tray, place in preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a cake tester withdraws clean.
7. 7
   Stand muffins in muffin pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
8. 8
   Topping:
9. 9
   Place butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan and heat gently until melted.
10. 10
    Add apple wedges and cook until soft and syrup is thick and smooth.
11. 11
    Add chopped macadamia nuts and stir to coat in syrup.
12. 12
    Spoon apple and macadamia topping over each cooled muffin and serve with creme fraiche or mascarpone. Makes 12.