Apple Crisp Muffins

My kids love muffins.  Blueberry being their favorite, or should I say, used to be their favorite!  Here are some that we tried the other day and they are wonderful!  ENJOY!

APPLE CRISP MUFFINS

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 egg, beaten

1 cup 2% milk

1/2 cup canola oil

2 cups finely chopped peeled apples

FILLING:

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons maple syrup

4 teaspoons grated orange peel

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

TOPPING:

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup old-fashioned oats

1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3 tablespoons cold butter

1/4 cup chopped pecans

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. In another bowl, combine the egg, milk and oil. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in apples. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full.

In a small bowl, beat the filling ingredients until smooth. Drop by tablespoonfuls into centers of muffins.

For topping, in a small bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar and cinnamon. Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in pecans. Sprinkle over filling. Bake at 400° for 16-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in muffin comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to wire rack. Yield: 1 dozen. (recipe and picture from http://www.tasteofhome.com/ )