Black Twig Apple Muffins

I've had this Bon Appetit reader recipe forever, and it makes a delicious, not-too-sweet breakfast treat. Any tart baking apple will do. I did find Black Twig apples recently at the Easton farmer's market and they were quite good.
- Terry, Jan. 2013

INGREDIENTS

1¾ cup all purpose flour
1¼ cup sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. ground cloves
⅛ tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
1 cup peeled, cored and chopped tart apple
2/3 cup raisins (optional, I don't use 'em)
½ cup vegetable oil
1 Tbsp. wheat germ
2 eggs, room temperature
½ cup finely chopped walnuts

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease and flour 12 muffin cups. Sift flour, sugar, soda, cinnamon, salt, cloves and nutmeg into large bowl.

Mix in apple, raisins, oil and wheat germ. Stir in eggs. Blend in nuts (batter will be stiff). Place 2 Tbsp. batter in each muffin cup. Bake until tester comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Remove from cups.

Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Store airtight.

Makes 12-16 depending on size.