Apple Muffins

Pre heat oven to 350 degrees. Peel, core and cut 4 apples into 24 (1/4) inch rings. Saute apple rings in batches in a lightly greased skillet over medium heat 1 to 2 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Remove from skillet, and place 1 apple ring in the bottom of each of the 24 lightly greased muffin pan cups. Peel and finely chop enough remaining apples to equal 3 cups. Set aside. Stir together sugar and next 3 ingredients in a large bowl. Stir together flour and next 3 ingredients; add to sugar mixture, stirring just until blended. (Batter will be stiff) Fold in finely chopped apples and 1 cup of pecans. Spoon batter evenly over apple rings in muffin pan cups, filling cups three quarters full. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center come out clean. Remove muffins from pan and cool.