Apples - THE fall fruit

Baked Apples

   I have great memories of working with apples as a kid.  My grandmother had a few apple trees on her property.  I was often called on to help my father pick them, pack them in bushels, and tractor them up to the house.  And yes, I loved driving the tractor.  The apple juice we got from those apples is something I really miss - maybe I'll try to make that next!  

     I think its safe to say that we all know that apples are good for us, but why exactly?  The phytonutrients help us regulate blood sugar and its fiber contributes to heart health.  The combination of the phytonutrients and fiber make this a magical and very healthy fruit.  In addition, apples support the balance of bacteria in the digestive tract.  Absorption of the benefits of an apple is highest when eaten whole.

Baked Apples                             

6 gala or granny smith apples

3 tbs butter

1/3 c brown sugar

1/4 c walnuts

1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/2 c apple juice

1.  Preheat oven to 350 bake.  Core apples using a corer or small knife* but be sure to keep apple intact, removing only the core.  Peel most of apple, leaving top (see pic) in place.  Place in the bottom of a greased deep dish pan.
2.  Cut butter into pieces, sticking some down the center of each apple and dropping the rest around the bottom of the pan.  Sprinkle sugar, cinnamon, and salt over apples.  Bake in the oven for about 1 hr. or until very soft.  Enjoy!


*Use a small pairing knife.  Hold apple carefully on a cutting board and use knife to slice down on each side of the stem through the apple (like a square).  Turn the apple over and do the same around the bottom of the stem.  Then use the end of a fork to poke out the core through the center.