Caramel Apple Muffins

I stumbled across a muffin recipe that screams autumn.  These little morsels are delightful - packed with flavor and crunch.

You will need:

1 box vanilla cake mix, prepared according to package
1-2 tbsp cinnamon
2 granny smith apples, peeled and cut into small pieces
30 caramels
4 tbsp 2% milk
1 C pecan pieces

Preheat oven to 350 F.  Line a mini muffin tin with paper wrappers.  Prepare cake mix according to box instructions.  Mix in cinnamon.  Fold in apples.  Fill each wrapper about 3/4 full.  Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.  Allow to cool.  Meanwhile, place the caramels and milk in a small sauce pan over medium-low heat.  As the caramels begin to melt, stir constantly until the mixture is smooth.  Dip the tops of the cupcakes into the caramel to just coat.  Immediately dip them into the nuts.  Enjoy!