Pumpkin Apple Muffins With A Crunchy Crumb Topper

A little bit of rain and fall in the air so what do you think of ?  PUMPKIN.  We are getting ready for a major trim on our two apple trees and hope we don't kill them.  We have one Delicious and one Macintosh tree and have neglected them way to long.  I had a tree man come over and tell me I could really cut them back if I don't care if I loose them so we will give it a try.  He seems to think you can't kill them, so here we go.  If they don't make it I think I will plant a peach tree in their place.  This sounds like it will be an on going story, keep tuned.  I am fine with them not bearing fruit next year so I can get them under control.  An apple tree is no good if you can't reach the apples or have to wait till they fall off.  I know what some of you may think and that is that I should have planted dwarf trees.  Guess what?, they are dwarf trees.  Very healthy dwarf trees.  They are also 20 years old.  Sooo... on to the Pumpkin Apple Muffins. 

These muffins speak of Fall.  Can't beat a combination of pumpkin, spice and a few apple bites here and there.

Pumpkin Muffins

1 2/3 cup flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1 cup pumpkin

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/3 cup apples (cored and chopped)

Mix all dry ingredients in mixer bowl.  Add all wet ingredients except the apples and mix for a minute or so until well blended.  Fold in chopped apples. 

Fill 12 regular sized cupcake liners.

Crumb Topper

1/3 cup dry oatmeal

2 tablespoons flour

3 tablespoons brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

4 teaspoons butter

Blend together crumb topping to make it a course meal texture.

Top batter with crumb topper, about 1 1/2 teaspoons per muffin. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20-22 minutes or until pick comes out clean.