Baked apples are a delicious, simple recipe that has been cooked for centuries or, as the New York Times put it, "from fire and apples." This recipe is a traditional version of a baked apple that tends to always use raisins, seasonings, and sweeteners like sugar or syrup. You can bake apples in the oven or microwave. Both methods will be described in this article.
Ingredients
- 1 apple per person
- Raisins (the amount depends on the size of the apple)
- Cinnamon
- 1/4-1/2 tablespoon butter or a substitute (margarine or macadamia oil are good alternatives)
- A little brown sugar or syrup or cane sugar
- Optional: sliced peach, nutmeg/nutmeg, allspice, ginger, or lemon juice.
Step
Step 1. Remove the center (seed) of the apple
A medium-sized apple is usually the best choice for the right portion. Apples that are too large will take too long to cook. Use a fruit scraper to clean the center. Leave the base. Peel the skin to make the apple easier to eat.
Step 2. Peel off the apple skin around the top of the "hole"
The "hole" is where the filling material is. Peel about 2.5 cm of apple skin. Place each apple on a baking sheet (microwave or oven specific depending on the method used) that is an appropriate size.
Step 3. Fill the hollowed out center with herbs and fruit
Usually, the ingredients used are cinnamon and raisins, but you can vary them. Read "Tips" for suggestions. The amount of raisins used depends on the size of the hole. If you use other fruit, the amount of raisins used will have to be reduced. Add cinnamon to taste and a little fresh nutmeg.
Step 4. Spread butter or alternatively over the top of the hole
Do not apply too much butter. Just apply 1/4-1/2 tablespoon of butter to cover the hole.
Step 5. Add a little sugar or syrup on top of the raisins
If you don't want to add any sweetener, skip this step. Be sure to choose a sweeter type of apple if you don't want to use a sweetener.
Step 6. Pour a tablespoon of water into a bowl
The water will add the moisture that the apples need while baking to keep them from drying out. This technique will also create a small amount of cider at the bottom of the bowl which will add flavor to the baked apple.
Step 7. Bake the apples
- Oven - Set the oven to 180ºC. Bake apples for 1 hour or until soft when pressed with a fork. You should check them regularly and add more water so that the apples don't dry out while baking. Or, if you don't have the time or don't want to keep checking it, cover the pan with foil for 30 minutes and remove it for the last 30 minutes. However, be aware that some people think that aluminum spoils the apples. Make the foil shine on the bottom if you use this method.
- ' microwave' - Although some people don't like using it, the microwave is not only for warming frozen food, nor is it for lazy people. The time it takes to cook in the microwave is unpredictable and depends on how firm the apples are. Most apples need at least 10 minutes. After 5 minutes of cooking, heat the apples at 30 second intervals and check the apples each time the microwave stops. Apples can be served when the apples and skins are soft.
Step 8. Remove and let the apples cool for a few minutes
Don't try to eat it right away because the apple will be very hot. Some people like to add cream or whipped cream on top. Make sure to cut the apples so you don't have to eat them all at once.
Step 9. Done
Tips
- Some companies sell tools to lift the center of the apple. If there is, you can use it. A scoop of fruit scraper can also be used. Use a knife to scrape the inside of the apple so you don't eat the seeds.
- If you don't like the skin, peel the apple as you remove the center. But keep in mind that baked apple skins can be easily peeled if you don't like them.
- Optional idea: cut a fresh peach and add the small pieces along with the raisins to the hollowed-out apple. Cut the peach into 8 pieces and take 2 pieces. Then, cut each piece into 5 pieces. The rest can be used to make other recipes or eaten. Sprinkle a little nutmeg for added spiciness. If you want, add allspice and even ginger. Pecan nuts are also suitable as a filling material.
- Add marshmallows, brown sugar and cinnamon. This mixture will make a caramel meringue.
- Sprinkle fruit and seasonings around the apples when the apple pit is completely filled. This step can be done at the end of the cooking process, or even later if you want a "fresher" taste.
- Try covering the apples with fruit jam such as strawberries, and sprinkle with brown sugar.
Warning
- Do not Slice the apples before baking them. The apples will be mushy and taste bad.
- When adding nutmeg and peaches, don't forget to also sprinkle with raisins and cinnamon. Peaches and nutmeg would taste weird without raisins and cinnamon.
- Be careful when removing the apples from the microwave or oven as they will get very hot.
