Apples

The apple is a food synonymous with health: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away!” There are so many varietals now that I have truly lost count, but what I do know is that the apple in all its many forms and varieties is delicious. Crisp, tart, sweet, sour, juicy, red, green, yellow, pink, the list goes on and on. While walking through the farmers market this week, the apples at Roots Organic Farm caught my eye and my tastebuds. Apples are used in baking, jams, salads, savory preparations, smoothies, or even just snacking. The apple is a nutrient dense fruit, meaning it is packed with tons of nutrients per serving. They are a good source of fiber, especially when eaten with the skin, and have been shown to help support a healthy gut and help protect against chronic diseases. Apples also have a high amount of quercetin, which is a polyphenol that has been linked to a lower chance of type 2 diabetes. Quercetin is also highly linked in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, by protecting the brain from damage caused by oxidative stress. There have also been studies on the link between an apple’s fiber and antioxidant content and a lower risk of certain cancers, including lung and breast cancers. 

Today we are going to be using the Honeycrisp varietal. It’s my favorite for its sweet, crispy texture and it holds up so well when baked. This dessert will become a fall favorite for its simplicity and utter deliciousness. 

Granola Stuffed Baked Apples with Apple Cider Sauce 

Yield: 4 Servings

4 medium apples, such as Honeycrisp
2 cups your favorite dried fruit and nut granola
¼ cup maple syrup
4 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
1 ½ cups fresh apple cider 

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Have a 9×13 inch baking dish ready to go. 

2. Using an apple corer, core the apple while leaving a little flesh at the bottom, so don’t cut all the way through the apple. Remove the core along with the seeds. Place the apples in the prepared baking dish. 

3. In a medium bowl, stir together the granola, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Spoon the granola mixture into the cored apples. Pour the apple cider around the apples and cover the baking dish with foil. 

4. Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until apples are tender. 

5. To serve, transfer apples to a bowl and spoon sauce over. Serve as is or with your favorite vanilla ice cream.