Baked Apples with Cranberries

Makes 2 -4 servings.

This easy-to-make dessert is a warm, nutritious winter pick-me-up. The number of servings will depend on your appetite.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 tablespoons dried cranberries  

• 2 tablespoons apricot jam

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds

• 1/3 cup warm water 

• 2 small golden delicious apples

PREPARATION:

1. Preheat the oven to 375F.

2. In a small bowl combine the cranberries, jam, honey, almonds and warm water.   

3. Cut the apples in half lengthwise, core with a melon scooper and peel.

4. Place the apples tightly in an oven proof dish. 

5. Divide the cranberry mixture among the apples.

6. Bake the apples for about 40 minutes, until tender.

7. Serve with the accumulated juices.   

Baked Apples Filled with Walnuts

Makes 4 servings.

This is an easy, convenient and healthy fall and winter dessert when one craves something warm to end a meal. This dish can also be reheated.

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE WALNUT FILLING:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted margarine, melted
• 4 tablespoons honey
• ½ cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

FOR THE APPLES:

• 4 medium Macintosh apples
• ¼ cup dry white wine
• ¼ cup water

PREPARATION

1. Preheat oven to 375 F
2. Combine the walnut filling
3. Rinse the apples. With a melon scooper, scoop out the center core from the top of the apples without piercing the bottom.
4. Peel half of the apple from the top. Prick the rest of the skin with the tip of a knife to keep it from bursting,
5. Fill the center with walnut filling pressing the filling down.
6. Place apples in an ovenproof dish. Combine wine and water and pour over the apples.
7. Bake for about 45 minutes, basting the apples occasionally until they are soft and still retain their shape. 
8. Serve warm.