St. Patrick Day Muffins

1/4 cup butter
1/2. cup sugar
1 3 oz. package instant pistachio pudding
2 large eggs
1/8 teaspoon pistachio flavoring (if you can’t find pistachio, substitute almond or leave it out)
2 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups milk
1/2 cup pistachio nuts, coarsely chopped

Topping
6 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon pistachio flavoring
Powdered green food coloring, (optional)

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Thoroughly spray 18 muffin cups with non-stick spray. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and pudding mix till smooth. Add the eggs and pistachio flavoring; blend well. Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Turn the mixer to low speed and add the flour mixture along with the milk, mixing just until the ingredients are incorporated. Fold in the pistachio nuts. Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, using about 1/4 cup for each muffin. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the muffins are beginning to brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center of one comes out clean. Remove from the oven, and let them cool for a minute or two, then loosen from the edge of the pan. While the muffins are baking, place the butter in a glass measuring cup and melt in the microwave. Combine the sugar, pistachio flavor, and food coloring in a bowl and mix with a whisk or spoon until thoroughly combined. You may also use a jar with a tight fitting lid and shake until the ingredients are combined.  Dip the top of each hot muffin in the melted butter, then in the green sugar mixture. Serve immediately with lots of real butter.