Recipe: Chai Baked Apples (using cake, muffin or bread crumbs)

CHAI BAKED APPLES

"Baked apples are a classic Northwest treat. These are filled with nuts, raisins and crumbs and baked in chai, a sweet, spiced tea that creates a simple and aromatic syrup. Serve the warm apples with a pitcher of fresh cream or milk alongside for a special touch."

1/2 cup cake, muffin or fresh bread crumbs
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
2 tablespoons brown sugar, loosely packed
6 small apples, such as Fuji, McIntosh or Golden Delicious
1 tablespoon butter
1 1/2 cups chai tea (such as Oregon Chai)
Cream or milk (optional, for serving)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly butter a medium oval baking dish or 9-by-9-inch baking pan.

In a small bowl, combine the crumbs, raisins, nuts and sugar; set aside.

Core the apples. using a sharp knife, peel about 1 inch of the skin off the tops. Place the apples in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the crumb mixture into the apples and press lightly. Top each apple with a bit of butter.

Pour the chai over the apples (add just enough so there is a depth of about 1/2 inch).

Bake the apples in the middle of the oven, basting with the pan juices after 30 minutes. Cook the apples for approximately 1 hour, until they are tender but not mushy. Cover the pan with foil if the filling begins to get too dark.

Serve warm in individual bowls with the remaining juices and milk or cream alongside, if desired.

Makes 6 servings
Source: Northwest Table Magazine/Holiday 2000