Baked Apples

Side dish or dessert--this is a perfect recipe to have on hand for apple season (and it makes your house smell WONDERFUL). It's also appropriate for so many of the dietary needs today (wheat free, vegetarian, dairy free, better for diabetics than most desserts....). We top ours with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream if we're eating them for dessert, but this is not necessary. Cooking time will depend on the apples you choose; cooking apples like Romes, Cortlands, and MacIntoshes will cook down softer. You may need to scrape the apple out of the skin to eat, depending on type of apple.

• 4 apples
• 2 T. brown sugar
• 1/2 c. raisins or craisins
• 1/4 t. nutmeg
• 1/2 t. cinnamon
• 1/2 c. apple juice or water (I think orange juice would also be good)
• orange zest (optional)

1. Core apples. Peel top third of apples. Place in square baking dish (8x8-inch size).
2. Combine filling ingredients (brown sugar, raisins, spices, and some zest, if using). Pack into cores.
3. Pour juice in bottom of dish.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes, or until apples can be pierced easily with a fork. Baste with juice occasionally.

Serves 4