In a bowl, combine egg, melted shortening, and 1/2 cup sugar, stirring well. Add chopped apples and mix well.
In smaller bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Add to the egg mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, stirring just until moistened. Spoon into greased muffin tins, filling two-thirds full.
Combine 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; sprinkle over the muffins. Bake at 375° F or 20 to 25 minutes.
Servings: 1 dozen muffins