Baked apples

Quick baked stuffed apples: an explosion of flavors and textures

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 20-30 minutes
Total time: 30-40 minutes
Servings: 6

We have before us a recipe that combines the sweet taste and spicy aroma of cinnamon, perfect for bringing a touch of warmth to cool days. Baked stuffed apples are a simple yet special dessert that will delight your taste buds and fill your home with a wonderful fragrance. This recipe is especially ideal during fasting periods when we seek delicious and healthy alternatives. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Necessary ingredients:
- 6 large apples (choose sweet and fragrant apples, such as Golden or Fuji)
- 3 tablespoons sugar (you can also use brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
- 3 tablespoons crushed almonds (if you don't have almonds, you can use walnuts or hazelnuts)
- 100 g sour cherries from jam (you can replace with cherries or peaches from compote)
- 3 tablespoons raisins (or dried cranberries for a tart note)
- 50 g vegetable margarine (or butter if you have no restrictions)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (or more, depending on your preferences)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the apples:
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Wash the apples well under running water and dry them with a towel. Use a knife or a special spoon to remove the core of the apples, being careful not to damage their shape. It is important to have a hollow core to add the delicious filling.

2. Preparing the filling:
In a bowl, combine the sugar, crushed almonds, sour cherries from jam, and raisins. Mix the ingredients well to distribute them evenly. Add the cinnamon and mix again. This filling will give a sweet and aromatic taste to your apples.

3. Stuffing the apples:
Take each apple and fill it with the filling mixture, leaving a little space at the top to allow the ingredients to expand during baking. Add a small cube of margarine in each apple to provide extra creaminess to the filling.

4. Baking:
Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish, with the stuffed side facing up. Put the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes until the apples become soft and slightly browned on top. Check occasionally to prevent burning.

5. Finishing:
Once the apples are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Before serving, dust them with sugar and, for an extra touch of elegance, you can decorate each apple with a drizzle of caramelized sugar, simply prepared by melting sugar in a small pan.

Serving and suggestions:
Baked apples are delicious served warm, alongside vanilla ice cream or a vanilla sauce. This quick dessert can be enjoyed at a family dinner or a gathering with friends. You can also serve it with a cup of fruit tea or a sweet wine for a complete culinary experience.

Variations:
You can customize your recipe based on your preferences. For example, you can add chopped nuts for extra texture or use different types of jam. Another option is to add a little rum or vanilla essence to the filling to intensify the flavors.

Nutritional benefits:
Apples are rich in fiber and vitamins, while almonds add healthy fats and protein. Raisins and sour cherries provide antioxidants and an extra touch of natural sweetness. This dessert is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy something sweet without compromising on health.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use smaller apples?
Certainly! If you have smaller apples, adjust the filling proportions.

2. What can I use instead of margarine?
Butter is a good choice, but you can also opt for vegan alternatives.

3. Is it possible to freeze baked apples?
Yes, but it is recommended to consume them fresh to maintain texture and flavor.

This baked stuffed apple recipe is not only simple but also a true pleasure for the senses. I encourage you to try it and share the joy of a quick and delicious dessert with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!