Apple and Walnut Muffins

Apple and walnut muffins are a delicious choice for a nutritious breakfast or an afternoon snack. Here’s how you might prepare them:

Ingredients

• 2 medium-sized ripe apples
• 100 g of coarsely chopped walnuts
• 250 g of flour
• 100 g of brown sugar
• 80 ml of vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 120 ml of milk
• 1 packet of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional)
• A pinch of salt

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and prepare a muffin pan by lining the slots with paper liners.
2. In a bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until you have a frothy and light mixture.
3. Add the oil and milk to the mixture and mix well.
4. Wash, peel, and cut the apples into small cubes.
5. In a second bowl, mix the sifted flour, baking powder, pinch of salt, and cinnamon if you decide to use it.
6. Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. Add the diced apples and chopped walnuts to the batter and fold them in to distribute evenly.
8. Fill the paper liners to about 2/3 of their height with the mixture.
9. Bake the muffins for approximately 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
10. Once golden and cooked, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Curiosity

Muffins have Anglo-Saxon origins but are very popular in Italy as well, where they are often enriched with local ingredients such as dried fruit. Apples and walnuts are a classic combination found in many autumn dessert recipes, and this version of the muffins is a perfect example of how they can be used together for a delightful result.

If you want an Italian twist, you could replace the brown sugar with Italian chestnut honey, which will add a robust note to the sweet flavor of the muffin. Happy baking and enjoy your meal!