HAM AND CHEESE MUFFINS

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
8 ounces boneless ham steak, diced
1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar cheese

Heat oven to 450 degrees F. Lightly grease 12 large muffin tins, or line them with paper liners.

In a large bowl stir together the flour, baking powder and salt; set aside.

Whisk together the egg, buttermilk and oil in a small bowl. Stir in the ham and cheese. Using a rubber spatula, stir the egg mixture into the dry ingredients just until combined. Do not overmix. Use a ladle to fill each of the prepared muffin tins approximately two-thirds full.

Place in the oven and lower the temperature to 400 degrees. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove from muffin tin and let cool.

Variations:

BACON AND CHEESE MUFFINS:
Substitute 6 slices bacon, diced and panbroiled, for ham.

SAUSAGE AND CHEESE MUFFINS:
Substitute 8 ounces pork sausage, cooked, crumbled and drained, for ham.

Makes 12
Source: National Pork Board