APRICOT CHEESE MUFFINS

INGREDIENTS:

1.3/4 cup flour,
1 pk. 8 oz.cream cheese, room temp.,
1 stick of butter, room temp.,
1 cup sugar,
2 eggs,
1/3 cup milk,
1 teaspoon lemon zest,
1 teaspoon vanilla extract,
1 teaspoon baking powder,
1/2 teaspoon baking soda,
1/3 teaspoon salt,
12 apricots, (cut in 8 pieces each)

DIRECTIONS:

Beat cream cheese, butter, sugar and lemon zest until fluffy; add eggs one at the time; add vanilla, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add milk; add flour all at once; mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Preheat oven to 350 F. Prepare 24 baking paper muffin cups;
fill cups 3/4 with batter mixture; top with 4, 5 pieces apricot; bake for 20, 25 minutes, or until nice and golden brown. Do not try tooth pick procedure, due to the fruit moisture.