Cranberry Muffins

Remember my pumpkin obsession in October?  I never did get to try Edy's Pumpkin Pie ice cream, but I did try a pumpkin Hershey's Kiss!  I think I've moved on from pumpkin... I am LOVING cranberries!  Obviously I've downed my fair share of Diet Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash, but after hearing that our babysitter was in the hospital for kidney problems, I decided that she needed some cranberry muffins... and so did I :o)  Now, I kind of pride myself on my muffins.  I'm pretty much an expert when it comes to muffin making and these, my friends, turned out to be the BEST tasting muffins I have not only baked myself, but have ever eaten!  Seriously, I'm that good :o)

Prep Time: 15-25 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Ready In: 35-50 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredient List:
½ cup butter or margarine, softened (I used margarine and softened it to a creamy texture; slightly melted)
1 cup sugar; 2 tablespoons sugar (for topping)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream (I used fat free)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for topping)
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped fresh or frozen cranberries; 12 whole cranberries (for topping)

Directions:
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar.
Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
Fold in sour cream.
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt; stir into the ceramed mixture until just moistened.
Fold in chopped cranberries.
Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two thirds full.
Place a whole cranberry on top of eack muffin, pressing slightly into the dough.
Combine sugar and nutmeg topping ingredients; sprinkle over muffins.
Bake at 400º F for 20-25 minutes or until muffins test done.
Cool in pan 10 minutes; remove to wire rack.

I've already donated my skinny jeans to Goodwill because I KNOW I will be sporting my very own muffin top after baking these tasties for parties this holiday season!  For now, I'll be sharing them with these party girls.  Only kidding about the jeans ;o)