Baked Apples
3 TBS muesli or granola
1 chunk of crystallized ginger, sliced very thin
3 TBS dried fruit of your choice (raisins, chopped dried apricots, dried cherries or cranberries, etc.)
1 TBS light brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground ginger
4 tsp reduced fat margarine or butter
1/2 cup apple juice mixed with 1 TBS rum or liqueur of your choice
Preheat oven to 325.
Mix the apple juice and liqueur. Set aside.
Using a sharp knife, cut down through the stem top of the apple to create a cone-shaped opening. From there, core out the seeds of each apple with a small spoon or melon baller. Leave the bottom part of the apple intact - just remove the seeds. Peel about 1/3 - 1/2-way down each apple.
Spray an 8X8 pan or small casserole with cooking spray (preferably butter-flavored).
Combine all the other dry ingredients in a small bowl, except for the margarine or butter.
Spoon the combined fruits and granola into the openings of the apples. Dot each one with a tsp of the shortening you've chosen.
Pour the liquid into the pan. Cover the pan with foil. Put in the oven.
Cook for 30 minutes. Remove foil and baste the apples. Cook about 15 minutes more, uncovered, basting every 15 minutes. Apples are ready when they seem tender.
Serve by setting apple on plate or in a bowl, and spooning the pan juices over it.
This takes awhile, but it's SO good!
