Apple Muffins

3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

1/4 cup chopped pecan s

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup whole- wheat pastry flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup canola oil

2 large egg s

1 cup natural applesauce

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup lowfat buttermilk

1 Golden Delicious apple , peeled, cored and cut into 1/4-inch pieces