Peach Upside Down Muffins

I've long been a fan of Peach Upside Down Cake, so when I found this recipe on the web, I had to try it. They're cooling right now and I can't wait to dig in! NOTE: I halved the butter and brown sugar as an easy way to cut some fat and calories. I had a little trouble getting them out of the pan and some of the peaches slipped off and had to be put back on, but there doesn't seem to be a significant compromise to the muffin. I'm interested if the results differ if you use all the butter and brown sugar that's called for. Also, you could easily stretch more than 12 muffins out of this recipe.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 12
• Yields: 12 muffins

Ingredients

• 2  cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1⁄2 cups granulated sugar
• 1  tablespoon baking powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 cup  vegetable oil
• 2  eggs
• 1  cup milk
• 1  cup butter (I used 1/2 c)
• 1  cup brown sugar (I used 1/2 c)
• 6  peaches, peeled and sliced (I used 3 and it was plenty)
• 6  maraschino cherries, halved

Directions

1. In medium bowl, mix together egg, milk and melted shortening. Set aside.
2. Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Fold into egg mixture until just combined.
3. Divide butter and brown sugar equally among 12 muffin tin cups. Heat in a 375*F oven until melted (a minute or two).
4. Place one cherry half in the center of each tin cup and arrange peach slices around it. Spoon batter over cherries/peaches.
5. Bake 25 mins or until center is set. Remove from oven and turn out onto serving platter (or wire rack over wax paper to catch the buttery, sugary drips) immediately. Let cool.