1 1/2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. firmly packed brown sugar
Pinch of allspice
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/3 c. milk
1/4 c. maple flavored syrup
1/2 c. butter, melted
1 c. chopped pecans
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. maple flavoring

Combine first 5 ingredients in medium bowl. Make well in center of mixture. Combine egg, milk, syrup and 1/2 cup butter. Add to dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened. Stir in pecans and flavorings. Spray muffin tins with Pam and fill 2/3 full. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Yield: 1 dozen.

TOPPING: (optional) Combine 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and melt 1/4 cup butter. Dip tops of warm muffins in butter, then sugar mixture.