Here's what you'll need for the charred apples:
3 medium sized apples (I used fuji), peeled and cut into pieces
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp allspice
Juice from 1/2 lemon
1 tbsp butter
In a medium saucepan combine the all of the above ingredients. Cover and cook on medium heat until the apples start to turn a dark brown or black color. You'll want to stir them about every 2-3 minutes or so to avoid them sticking to the bottom of the pan. You'll have to use your judgement here. You don't want the apples scorched beyond recognition but you do want the sugar to start to caramelize and blacken. Once finished transfer into a small food processor and puree until chunky. Set aside.
Here's what you'll need for the muffin batter:
1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup uncooked oatmeal oats
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp allspice
2 eggs, beaten
1/3 cup milk
3 tbsp butter, melted
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 400 degrees and spray muffin tin with cooking spray. Makes 12 muffins.
You will need one large mixing bowl and one small/medium mixing bowl. In the large bowl, combine the flour, oatmeal, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice and stir with a fork or whisk until combined. In the other bowl, combine the eggs, milk, butter, olive oil, and vanilla extract and whisk until combined. Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and stir with a spoon until combined (careful not over mix). Add the pureed apples and stir to combine.
Scoop batter in muffin tin and bake for 12-15 minutes depending on your oven. You can stick a toothpick in the center to check their doneness. If the toothpick comes out clean they are done. You can't really taste that the apples have been charred (which is a good thing) but it almost adds a smokiness to the muffins. These would make a great breakfast bread. Enjoy!
