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This recipe is from a local tv station, it sounds like it would get you in the mood for Fall!
BAKED APPLES WITH DATE-NUT FILLING
1/3 cup packed, dried, sulfite-free raisins 1/3 cup packed, dried, pitted dates 1/3 cup unsalted, unsweetened almond or cashew butter 1/4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate 1 tsp. pure vanilla or maple extract (preferably non-alcoholic) 1 1/4 tsp. apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice 9 small to medium size tart-sweet apples (5 to 6 oz. each): early gold, ginger gold, golden delicious, braeburn, gala, Fuji, pink lady, or Cortland 1/3 cup filtered water Instructions: Preheat oven to 375 degress F. Mince dried fruit and combine with remaining filling ingredients. Or, combine filling ingredients in a food processor or Vita-Mix and process until smooth.
Wash apples and core twice to create a wide cavity. Remove apple bits from around seeds, then core, mince, and add to filling.Peel upper 1/3 of each apple to keep skins from splitting during cooking, or remove entire peel.
Fill apples, mounding extra filling on top. Stand apples in a 9-inch square or oblong baking pan. Add water to pan. Tightly cover pan with parchment then aluminum foil, or a tight-fitting lid. Bake in a preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until fork tender but not mushy.
Simmer the pan juices in a saucepan to reduce to 1/4 cup, then spoon over apples. Serve warm or close to room temperature.
Refrigerate leftovers and use within 5 days.
VARIATIONS:
Substitute 1 1/2 teaspoons peeled, finely grated fresh gingerroot or 1/3 teaspoon dried ginger plus 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves for apple pie spice.
Slow Cooker: Place stuffed apples in a 3 1/2- to 6-quart slow cooker with 1/3 cup water. Cover and cook on LOW 3 to 4 hours, until fork tender. Transfer apples to serving bowls. Cook juices on HIGH to reduce to 1/4 cup. Spoon over apples and serve.
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