Apple Cheddar Maple Bacon Muffins

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  This is to get our bacon ready. 

Cook bacon for 12 to 15 minutes or until desired crispness.  Set aside to cool.  Once cool, cut up into small pieces.

Lower your oven temperature to 375 degrees F.  Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with liners or coat with non-stick spray.

Peel and dice your apples.

Shred your cheese.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and pepper. 

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil and maple syrup until fully incorporated.

Pour your wet ingredients into your dry and fold together until just combined.  Do not overmix.

Gently fold in the bacon bits, cheese, diced apples and thyme (or rosemary).  Save a small amount of bacon, cheese and apples to sprinkle on the top.

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffing cups, filling about ¾ full.  Top with reserved bacon, cheese and apples.

Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.  Rotate the pan halfway through for even colouring.

Allow your muffins to cool for 5 minutes in the pan before transferring to a cooling rack. 

Serve slightly warm with some butter.

Enjoy.