Nutty Apple Honey Muffins with Sesame Oil

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil, plus extra for greasing
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup diced apples (peeled and cored)
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Honey and apple slices for garnish

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 375F. Use a small amount of sesame oil to lightly grease the muffin tin cups.
• In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, honey, eggs, milk, melted butter, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and vanilla extract.
• Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Gently fold until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
• Fold the diced apples into the batter.
• Spoon the batter into the greased muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar, and drizzle with a bit of honey.

Tips:

Sesame Oil: Since sesame oil has a strong flavor, using it only for greasing and adding a tablespoon to the batter is enough to impart its nutty essence without overpowering.

Apple Selection: Choose apples that are slightly tart and firm as they will add a nice contrast to the sweetness of the honey and hold up well during baking.