More Sweetness, Baked Apples with Cinnamon Sticks and Honey

There is nothing more memory provoking then the aroma of  holiday foods.  There is a feeling of warmth. You might remember your  favorite dishes, made only for special occasions. We all have our favorites.  This is what nourishes us on a deeper level. Show me a family that cooks together, and I’ll show you some deeply loved people. Every meal you cook together is an act of devotion.

Would you like a new twist on apples and honey? I have just the thing. This is so easy, the oven does the work. This is great for young families to get the kiddos in the kitchen and help them feel like they did something special. Just have an adult core the apple and you are good to go.

I rarely measure with these kinds of dishes. I would rather you explore through your own taste buds. This is a healthy way to celebrate the New Year. If you can source the honey from a local beekeeper, then that makes it all the more special.  The aroma of fresh apples and cinnamon baking will overtake your kitchen, it is something to experience. Create your own traditions, alongside the traditional ones. It is your love they will taste for generations to come. Happy Cooking and a Sweet New Year! Love, Laurel

Baked Apples

I love to go off road. I rarely measure with these types of dishes. Recipes are guidelines only. I encourage you have at it. Add nuts, crystalized ginger. Have fun!

Ingredients:

Apples, as many as you like (I like Granny Smiths for this recipe, but you can use Braeburn or your favorite apple.

Honey or Coconut sugar, I use coconut for its low Glycemic index,but for the holiday you can use honey. About 2 tablespoons but to taste.

Cinnamon sticks one for each apple

Softened Butter (not melted) or coconut oil for pareve. Start with a ½ cup.

Parchment paper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Cut a small hole in the top of the apple with either an apple corer or a paring knife deep enough to fit a cinnamon stick.
3. Put butter and coconut sugar into a small bowl. Beat with a wooden spoon until pale and fluffy. You can substitute this with honey.
4. Place apples in a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish lined with parchment. Place a teaspoon of butter mixture and a cinnamon stick in center of each apple. Bake until apples begin to soften, 20 to 25 minutes.