Thematic Photographic- sweet muffins

Carmi at Written Inc has a Thematic Photographic of sweet

We made some sweet muffins today. Yes, I know it is not Monday.....but Monday was way too hectic. Between our house blessing and gymnastics, we ran out of time. Although from start to finish is Muffin Monday usually only takes an hour or so, maybe a little more with clean up. But I am raising these kids up right: as soon as we are finished with an ingredient, we put it back where it belongs. If it is in the pantry, we go over there and put it away. I have even moved some of the baking things (baking powder, baking soda, etc on a lower shelf just so they can put them away). Anyhow....we made some muffins the kids saw in Parents Magazine: Pear-Bear muffins . They used a spice cake mix and added a few things. I can't bring myself to use a cake mix for much EXCEPT the Chocolate Chocolate chip cake and/or muffins ...

So....

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (we use 3/4 c. whole wheat, 1/2 c. all-purpose flour)
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 3/4 cups shredded Golden Delicious apple (we used Fugi apples, since that is what we had in the fridge)
3/4 cup low-fat buttermilk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Cooking spray
2 teaspoons sugar ***we left this out since we were making the "mouse faces"
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon ***we left this out since we were making the "mouse faces"

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400°.

Combine first 8 ingredients in a large bowl; make a well in center of mixture. Combine apple, buttermilk, oil, and egg in a bowl; stir well. Add to dry ingredients, stirring just until moist.
Divide batter evenly among 12 muffin cups coated with cooking spray. We added the pear ears here. The chocolate chips eyes and nose are put on after they cool for 5 minutes. The cheeks are sliced almonds. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until golden. Remove from pans immediately.

Plate and share with friends. I am sure they will they will love the sweet surprise! The kids called them "mouse muffins"

Happy Tuesday, y'all!