What You Need

As many large, firm apples as you plan to serve

Pure Maple Sugar

Cinnamon

1 teaspoon of butter for each apple

Golden Raisins, Chopped Nuts, Granola (all optional)

How To Do It

Preheat the oven to 375⁰

Wash the apple(s).  Using a fruit corer or paring knife, core the apple; make a ¾ inch plug out of the core, and place it in the bottom hole of each apple. Remove a sliver of the apple skin from the top of each apple.  Place the apples in an ovenproof baking dish.

Fill the center of each apple with maple sugar, and a bit of any of the optional ingredients if desired.  (Filling the hole requires a small spoon and patience). Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon. Note:  the apples will be mapleicious even if optional ingredients are not included.  Top each apple with the butter.  Add a half cup of water, (or apple cider!) to the bottom of the pan.

Bake for about 45 minutes until the apples are soft.  Serve warm or cold.  You have our permission to garnish each apple with vanilla or maple nut ice cream, or maple whipped cream!

How To Do It:

In A Hurry?  Try the Microwave Version!

Prepare the apples as above, and place in a microwave safe baking dish.  Cover the dish with plastic wrap that has been pierced for steam to escape.  Be sure to add the water to the bottom of the dish. Microwave on high for 3 to 5 minutes or more – check part way through to decide if additional time is needed – the apples should be quite soft.  (Microwave ovens vary widely in cooking temperatures)  Remove carefully from the oven, and uncover slowly to avoid steam and spatter.

October 2015