Apple Pie Muffins

It's finally warming up, and that has me itching for summer. And nothing says summer to me like apple pie. But, when I thought about making a pie, for just me and my husband, that seemed a little over-the-top. So, I decided to make something to catch the essence of homemade apple pie, without the hassle.

Apple Pie Muffins

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 2/3 cup flour
4 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup milk
1 large Granny Smith apple
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tbsp dark brown sugar
Cooking spray or 1 tsp butter, for cooking apples

Preheat oven to 350. First, peel, core, and dice apple, and toss with the cinnamon, nutmeg, and tablespoon of brown sugar. Spray frying pan with cooking spray, or melt teaspoon of butter over medium heat. Toss in apple, and let simmer, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes. Take off heat, and set aside. Cream together sugars and butter, then proceed to add egg and vanilla, and mix. Sprinkle baking powder over the mixture, then add flour, and mix. Next, pour in milk, slowly mixing it in, making sure batter is smooth. Fold in apple pieces, and use a tablespoon to spoon into lined muffin cups, until about 2/3 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.