Fall Bliss

Fall is, without question, my favorite season. And Fall in Alaska, although brief, is breathtaking. To celebrate the turning of the season I whipped up these sweet treats a la Martha Stewart.

Apple Cupcakes

INGREDIENTS

Makes 2 Dozen.

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 ground nutmeg

1 tsp salt

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

2 cups sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

4 cups coarsely shredded apples (about 1 3/4 pounds)

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 standard muffin tins with paper liners; set aside. Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.

2. Put butter and sugar into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Mix in eggs and vanilla. Reduce speed to low; mix in apples. Add flour mixture; mix, scraping down sides of bowl as needed, until just combined.

3. Divide batter among lined cups, filling halfway; bake until tops are springy to the touch. 18 to 20 minutes. Remove cupcakes from tins; transfer to a wire rack; let cool completely.

4. Frost with cream cheese frosting, if desired.

5. Serve with coffee and enjoy!

P.S. If you look close our neighborhood moose can be seen hanging out in the photo on the bottom.