Baked Apples

Baked apples make a very easy dessert and can be cooked in the oven alongside the main course or in the microwave.  I often bake just one for myself and place the apple in a large ramekin dish.  This recipe gives direction for microwave cooking.

• 4 large dessert apples
• 30g butter, softened
• 4 tablespoons raisins or sultanas
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or nuts of your choice
• 60 ml Apple juice
• 175 ml Maple or Golden syrup

Wash apples. Remove cores to ½ inch of the bottom of the apples. It helps if you have an apple corer or a paring knife to cut out first the stem area, and then the core. Use a spoon to dig out the seeds. Make the holes about ¾ inch to an inch wide.  Peel the apples one third of the way down.  Arrange in a microwavable dish peeled ends uppermost.

In a small bowl, combine the butter, cinnamon, raisins/sultanas, and nuts.  Stuff each apple hollow with this mixture.  In a jug combine the apple juice and maple or golden syrup and pour over and around the apples. Cook, covered on high for 7-9 minutes for four apples, until the apples are tender.  Reduce the time for two (4-6 minutes) or for one apple (2½ minutes).  Remove the apples to a serving dish and cook the remaining syrup on High for (3-5) (2-3) or (1½) minutes until the syrup has thickened slightly.  Spoon the syrup over the apples and serve warm with ice cream.

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If using conventional oven Bake 30 minutes, until tender, but not mushy. Remove from the oven and baste the apples several times with the pan juices.