Monday, October 17, 2011

Meatless Monday--Apple Butterscotch Muffins and a Giveaway

Readers, I owe all of you a huge, HUGE thank you.  Because of your loyalty and support, this lil' blog has had the best six weeks in its almost four year history.  When I started blogging, I never imagined I'd have the response I've had of late.  I am completely humbled and so, so thankful.  I truly don't know what to say.

I've also realized that, despite the name of my blog, I really don't have that many apple recipes on here.  How did that happen?!? (And what a shame!)  Apples have been one of my most favorite foods since I was a little girl.  I love everything about them.  They're pretty to look at, healthy, and taste great in so many forms.

To thank you, I've decided to combine a few things I love--apples, Bon Appetit magazine, and gift giving.  Everyday this week, I'll be posting a delicious recipe using apples.  And everyday, you can leave a new comment as an entry in my giveaway of a year's subscription of Bon AppetitThe entry period will end at 5:00 pm EST on Thursday, October 20th has closed, so you'll be able to enter a total of four times.  I'll contact the winner immediately after the entry window closes, so please be sure to leave an e-mail address!

In the meantime, please enjoy these tasty apple butterscotch muffins.  They're hearty, sweet, and, of course, full of appley goodness.  Perfect for breakfast on crisp autumn mornings! 

apple butterscotch muffins

Apple Butterscotch Muffins
seen on Annie's Eats

Ingredients:
 2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
3/4 c. old-fashioned oats
8 TBSP (one stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/3 c. packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 c. milk
3/4 c. butterscotch chips
3/4 c. chopped apples
1/3 c. toasted pecans, chopped (optional)

Optional toppings:
Dried apple slices
Maple syrup
Granulated sugar

Directions:
1.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  Line the wells of two muffin pans with paper liners (about 18).  Set aside.

2.  In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until light and smooth, 1-2 minutes.  Beat in the applesauce, eggs and vanilla extract until incorporated.

3.  Meanwhile, in a separate medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.  Mix lightly with a fork to blend.  Stir in the oats.  

4.  Turn the mixer to low and mix in the dry ingredients in three additions alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients and beating just until incorporated.  Fold in the butterscotch chips, apples, and toasted pecans with a rubber spatula.

5.  Divide the batter evenly between the prepared muffin cups.  If desired, press a dried apple slice into the top of the batter in each cup.  Drizzle lightly with maple syrup and sprinkle with sugar.  Bake about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.