It’s time for Recipe Redux! This month’s challenge was to cook with at least 3 ingredients that are actually in my refrigerator or pantry right now – without going to the store to buy anything new (hopefully). So many ideas as I looked through my refrigerator and pantry….Here’s my Baked Cinnamon Apples!

There are several ways to use leftovers and random ingredients to pull together something healthy. For example, assorted vegetables for a soup, beans/veggies for a chili, eggs/veggies/cheese for a frittata, or maybe something even simpler like avocado on my leftover homemade frozen waffles or an english muffin “pizza.” Mixing and matching and experimenting in the kitchen can be fun, just dive in and see what happens! The best thing about cooking is the magic that can occur just by throwing together some ingredients.

I opted for something simple and seasonal with a touch of sweetness, so I made Baked Apples. These Baked Cinnamon Apples are a wonderful snack or dessert, with little to no added sugar. They are an excellent source of vitamin E from the walnuts, which are also a rich source of monounsaturated fat, protein, fiber, calcium, and phosphorous. Walnuts also contain neuro-protective compounds which boost brain health, including vitamin E, folate, melatonin, omega-3 fats and other antioxidants. Enjoy!

Baked Apples

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Course: Dessert

Keyword: apples

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 2 servings

Author: Chef Abbie Gellman RD

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon walnuts or nuts of your choice, chopped
• 1 tablespoon raisins
• 1 tablespoon dried cranberries
• Note: can use any dried fruit you like
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 medium apples washed and cored (Note: I like Granny Smith or Honey crisp, they hold their shape better when cooking)
• ¼ cup water
• 1 teaspoon raw honey or maple syrup OPTIONAL

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Combine the nuts, dried fruit, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl.
• Place the apples in a small baking dish or loaf pan.
• Fill the core of each apple with the fruit and nut mixture.
• Pour the water in the dish (and optional - drizzle the honey/syrup over the apples).
• Cover with foil (or use an oven-proof cover to the dish) and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until apples are tender.

Nutrition

Calories 165
Total fat 3g
Protein 2g
Saturated fat 0g
Carbohydrates 38g
Sodium 5mg
Fiber 6g