Baked Apples

This is the season for apples in our community, with trees producing a hearty harvest. Boxes of apples sit at the end of driveways with “Free” written on a piece of cardboard. Friends text and offer boxes of apples. Apples are available at farm stands. My husband enjoys a fresh apple every day. I enjoy baking with apples. This recipe I made for my children when they were young. It is delicious warm but can also be eaten the next day, served at room temperature. I select larger, firm apples for this recipe. These ingredients are to bake five apples.

Ingredients

Apples, one per serving

Brown sugar, ¼ cup

Cinnamon, 1 teaspoon, plus a few sprinkles

Nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon

Dried cranberries, ¼ cup

Butter, 4 tablespoons

Water, 1 cup

Preparation

Core the apples, taking care not to cut through the bottom. Remove all seeds. In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Add the dried cranberries and mix. Stuff the cored apples with the mix. Top with sliced butter, or a nob of butter. Sprinkle cinnamon on top of the butter. Place the apples into a baking dish, allowing one-inch between apples. Add water to the bottom of the baking dish. Bake uncovered in preheated 375 degree oven for 45 minutes. The apples will be soft and not mushy. Serve with a knife and fork. Cooking tips: light brown or dark brown sugar may be used. Nutmeg is optional. You can substitute raisins for the dried cranberries.