Mini German Pancakes with Apples

1 cup milk

1 heaping tablespoon granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest

6 eggs

1 cup all-purpose flour

4 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled

1/2 teaspoon salt

Nonstick cooking spray

Apple recipe follows

1/4 cup powdered sugar mixed with 1 heaping teaspoon ground cinnamon

APPLE CARAMEL SAUCE:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 Gala apple, peeled, cored and diced

1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and diced

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Combine the milk, sugar, vanilla, zest and eggs in a blender and blend until smooth.

3. Add the flour, butter and salt and blend until completely smooth, about 1 minute.

4. Spray muffin tins well with nonstick cooking spray and pour 1/4 cup batter into each tin, filling about three-quarters full.

5. Bake until puffy and golden on top, about 15 minutes.

6. Remove and let sit on a baking rack for a few minutes.

7. Remove the individual pancakes to a platter. The pancakes will sink slightly in the center.

8. Fill with some of the Apple Caramel Sauce and dust with cinnamon powdered sugar.

Apple Caramel Sauce:

1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add the apples and cook, stirring until soft, about 8 minutes.

3. Whisk in the sugar and cook until the sugar melts and thickens slightly.

4. Remove the skillet from the heat and let cool.