Apple & Bacon Puffins

Puffins.  What a weird name for food.  Puffins are kind of cute birds but I'd never consider eating one, although some do.  I've seen this kind of puffin (pancake/muffin) popping up everywhere.  I decided I'd try them out.  I do love the idea of not destroying a pancake when trying to flip it and they are a fun finger food for breakfast.  

Apple & Bacon Puffins

1/3 cup butter, melted and slightly cooled
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cups flour 
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 apple, cored, peeled and diced
3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Melt butter in a medium sized bowl.  Allow to cool and add sugar.  Stir in one egg and buttermilk.  Mix in the dry ingredients.  Allow to sit a few minutes while your oven is preheating to 325°.  Gently fold in bacon and apple.  Use a large cookie scoop to fill a greased mini muffin pan.  Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.  Serve warm with a bowl of your favorite syrup.  Makes 30.