Autumn Apple Muffins

Autumn brings to mind the scents of apple, pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg. The following recipe for fresh apple muffins, adapted from the classic Beard on Bread, is lovely this time of year.

1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons buttermilk
1 cup chopped, peeled apples
1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine the flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder; set aside. Cream the butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs. Add the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk (start and end with the flour mixture). Once just blended, add the apples and vanilla.

Divide evenly among 12 lined muffin cups (a small ice cream scoop works perfectly) and bake for approximately 20 minutes at 350 degrees (checking frequently for doneness during the last 5 minutes. Cool and enjoy.