Serve these spicy muffins warm or at room temperature with butter or apple butter.

2	C	all-purpose flour
1	tbsp.	sugar
1	tbsp.	baking powder
1/2	tsp.	salt
1/2 to 1	tsp.	coarsely ground pepper
1	C	shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1-1/4	C	milk
1	large	egg
2	tbsp.	vegetable oil

Stir together first 6 ingredients in a large bowl; make a well in center of mixture.

Stir together milk, egg and oil until blended. Add to dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened.

Spoon batter into greased muffin pans, filling two-thirds full.

Bake at 400F for 18 to 20 minutes or until tops are golden.

Cool muffins in pan 2 minutes; remove from pan and serve.