Pumpkin Maple Swirl Muffins

Ingredients:

Filling:

• 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons real maple syrup

Batter:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup evaporated milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon real maple syrup

Topping:

• 2 teaspoons packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cups chopped pecans or walnuts

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Grease and flour a 12 cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.

2. For filling - combine cream cheese, sugar and maple syrup in a small bowl until blended.

3. For batter - combine flour, sugar, nuts, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Mix eggs, pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, oil and maple syrup in medium bowl; add to flower mixture. Mixing until blended well. Folk in filling mixture just until batter is swirled.

4. For topping - mix together sugar and nuts in a small bowl.

5. Fill prepared muffin tins, dividing batter evenly. Sprinkle with topping mixture. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until muffins test done. Cool in pan on a wire rack.

Makes 1 dozen muffin