Apple & Cranberry Muffins

[ravish30]

Apple & Cranberry Muffins

4 tbsp. butter
1 egg
grated rind of 1 orange
1/2 c. fresh orange juice
1 1/4 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp. allspice
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. salt
2 large apples
1 1/2 c. cranberries
1/2 c. chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 12-cup muffin pan or use paper muffin cup liners. Melt the butter and set aside. Place egg in a bowl and whisk lightly. Add the melted butter and whisk to combine, then add the sugar, orange rind and orange juice. Whisk to blend.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices and the salt. Quarter, core and peel the 2 apples. With a knife, chop apple into pieces. Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the egg mixture. With a spoon, stir until just blended. Add the apples, cranberries and *optional* walnuts, stir to blend.

Fill the cups 3/4 quarters full and bake until the tops spring back when touched, about 25 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool when done baking.