Name: Stuffed Baked Apples
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 apples (see tips); ½ cup chopped pitted dates; ¼ cup chopped pecans; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Sprinkle cinnamon; Sprinkle allspice; Pomegranates or berries, for garnish

By Ana Negrón, MD

(3)

This simple, comforting dessert celebrates the holiday season with the abundant fragrance of baked apples, pecans, and a dusting of cinnamon and allspice. Be sure to make enough for everyone: the enticing aroma will fill your home with watering mouths.

Prep: 15 mins Cook: 30 mins Yield: 4–8 servings

Gluten Free Soy Free

Ingredients

4 apples (see tips)
½ cup chopped pitted dates
¼ cup chopped pecans
1 tsp vanilla extract
Sprinkle cinnamon
Sprinkle allspice
Pomegranates or berries, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Halve apples and scoop out their seeds.
3. Combine dates, pecans, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
4. Stuff the apples with the filling and sprinkle spices on top.
5. Bake for 20–30 minutes, or until the apples are soft. Be careful not to burn the nuts.
6. Garnish with pomegranate seeds or red berries for a more festive looking dish.

Cooking Tips

1. The best apple varieties for this recipe include Granny Smith, Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Pink Lady. I don’t recommend Red Delicious apples, as their flavor is too mild and the apple texture doesn't hold up well when heated.
2. For creative alternatives, try pears instead of apples, or walnuts instead of pecans.