Step 1

Place raisins, sugar, corn syrup, butter, milk and extract in a medium sized saucepan set over medium heat. Cook, stirring almost constantly, until mixture is hot, slightly thickened and just beginning to bubble, from 4 to 5 minutes in total. Cool almost to room temperature before proceeding.

Step 2

When the boiled mixture has cooled, whisk the two eggs into it'

Step 3

Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl until well mixed. Make a well in center of flour mixture and pour in the boiled raisin mixture, stirring just until combined. Stir in the nuts until evenly mixed. Do not over mix.

Step 4

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 12 muffin cups, coat with cooking spray or use paper liners.

Step 5

Spoon batter into muffin cups. Bake in center of oven until golden and a cake tester inserted into center of muffin comes out clean, about 20 minutes.

Step 6

Remove from oven and immediately brush tops with corn syrup or maple syrup. Cool muffins in cups for 10 minutes.

Step 7

Remove muffins to a rack.

Step 8

Yields 12 muffins.