Tender and moist muffins with bits of fresh apple in every bite and a cinnamon-pecan nut topping.

Spiced Apple Muffins

1/4 cup vegetable shortening
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2/3 cup milk
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup chopped apple
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup finely chopped nuts
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1. In a large bowl cream together sugar with shortening. Beat in egg; blend well. Set aside.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Add milk and flour mixture alternating each mixture; until completely mixed. Fold in chopped apples.
3. Fill greased muffin tins half full, then top with mixture of brown sugar, ground nuts, and cinnamon.
4. Bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 20 minutes, or until center is set. Remove from oven. Let cool on wire racks.

Makes 1 dozen muffins.