Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Walnuts

As the chill of autumn sets in, one of my fondest memories growing up was the scent of cinnamon and apples wafting through our home. It was a tradition in my family to bake apples during this time of year, and it always brought a warm and comforting feeling to our kitchen. Today, I want to share with you my recipe for Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Walnuts – a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium-sized apples
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Apples

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Start by washing the apples thoroughly under running water. Core the apples, removing the seeds and creating a small cavity in the center. Place the apples in a baking dish and set aside.

2. Filling the Apples

In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Take this delicious mixture and stuff it into the cavity of each apple.

3. Adding the Finishing Touches

Drizzle the melted butter over the stuffed apples, making sure to coat each apple generously. This will help keep the apples moist and impart a rich, buttery flavor. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top for an added touch of warmth and aroma.

4. Baking the Apples

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake the apples for about 25-30 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. The baking time may vary depending on the size and variety of apples, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

5. Serving the Baked Apples

Once the apples are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve them warm, perhaps accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of the sweet, tender apples, the crunchy walnuts, and the aromatic spices will create a symphony of flavors that will surely delight your taste buds.

Tips and Variations:

• If you prefer a softer apple texture, you can bake them for a little longer. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they may turn mushy.
• For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle caramel sauce over the baked apples before serving.
• You can also experiment with different varieties of apples to find your favorite flavor combination. Some apples may be sweeter while others are tarter, giving you a chance to personalize this recipe to your liking.

Nutritional Facts: