Cheesy Apple Muffins - Glazed Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Servings: 12 Serving Size: 1 each Ingredients - MUFFIN MIX - 2 cups all purpose flour - 1/2 cup sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup butter - 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups shredded) - 1 large egg - 3/4 cup milk - 1 large cooking apple or pear - GLAZE - 1/3 cup sugar	1

	- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 5 teaspoons water - reserve 1 teaspoon - 2 tablespoons butter - 2 teaspoons lemon juice     Apples and cheese always provide a nice flavor when paired together and this muffin recipe is no exception - a great blend of sweet and savory.   Directions MUFFIN MIXTURE Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray each muffin compartment with cooking spray. Using a large bowl, combine flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in 1/2 cup of butter and mix until the ingredients are combined together forming small, coarse crumbs and pieces. Add cheese to flour mixture and toss together. Using a small bowl, whisk egg and milk together. Pour into and mix with dry ingredients in large bowl, stirring together until just blended. Pour muffin mixture into muffin tin, filling each compartment or cup two-thirds full. Peel apple or pear. Cut fruit lengthwise and then cut into half-round slices.	2

	Insert and evenly space 3 slices into each muffin, pushing the slice into the muffin mixture until only a small amount of the fruit slice is showing. Bake for 15 minutes. Begin to prepare glaze while muffins are baking. GLAZE Using a small saucepan, mix 1/3 cup of sugar with ground cinnamon and water. Add 2 tablespoons of melted butter and lemon juice. Heat mixture until boiling, stirring while heating. Remove from heat and let glaze mixture begin to cool. Before glaze fully cools and while still warm, remove muffins from oven if they have completed 15 minutes of baking and pour a small amount of glaze over each muffin top. Optional - the sides and bottom of the muffin can also be glazed if desired. To do so, use a knife to loosen the muffins from their compartments in the muffin tin, tilting the bottom edge of each muffing slightly against the sidewall of the muffin compartment. The glaze can then run down the sides and into the bottom of the muffin tin. Return muffins to oven and bake for 10 to 14 minutes. Using a toothpick, check to test doneness.	3