Shana's Apple Muffins

INGREDIENTS
1 stick unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1-1/2 tsp. cinnamon
2 lg. eggs
3 c. granny smith apples, peeled, chopped (3 medium apples)

If the butter is soft, you won't need a mixer.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until well blended. In a small bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon, then add all, with the eggs to the creamed butter. Add the apples and incorporate well. Line large muffin cups or 1-c. capacity ramekins with paper liners and divide batter evenly among cups. They will be very full. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 30 minutes or until a wooden skewer inserted in the center is removed clean. Let cool in container/pan for about 5 minutes, then remove to rack to cool completely before frosting.

They are tasty as muffins but if you want to add frosting:

For the frosting...
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 lb. box powdered sugar, sifted
2 tsp. vanilla

In a large bowl, mix the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Sift the powdered sugar over a bit at a time, and blend well before adding more. Stir in the vanilla. Fill a piping bag and swirl away. Makes enough to frost at least 7 big cupcakes very generously.

Mix some cinnamon and demerara and sprinkle over the frosting.

Original recipe at sassandveracity.typepad.com.