Ingredients

1/2 lb cranberries , rinsed and picked over
3/4 cup sugar
4 firm apples , such as Golden Delicious or granny smith apples
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup water
Baked Apples Filled With Berries make for an excellent and healthy dessert option; with the sweetness of the apples and sugar being balanced out by the tartness of the cranberries. This dessert option is also quite filling yet light on the stomach. Preparation for this dish involves coring the apples and stuffing them with a mix of cooked cranberries and sugar. The filled apples are then baked for about 40-50 minutes until the tenderness is achieved. The outcome is a warm and gooey filling with the apples' texture providing a delightful contrast. Apart from being low in calories, apples contain dietary fiber and antioxidants that help lower the risk of chronic disease. The filling also contains cranberries, which are high in antioxidants, have been shown to have immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory effects.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease an 8 x 8-inch baking dish.
2.In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and 1⁄2 cup of water. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves and the cranberries begin to pop, about 8–10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
3.Core the apples, making sure to leave the bottoms intact. Scoop out the flesh and seeds, making a cavity for the filling without puncturing the skin.
4.Divide the cranberry mixture among the four apples and place in the prepared dish. Dot each apple with 1 tablespoon of butter.
5.Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until tender. Serve warm or at room temperature.

PROS

Baked apples are a healthier dessert option, and the tartness of the cranberries balances out the sweetness of the apples and sugar.

The combination of the warm, gooey filling with the crisp, tender apple creates a delightful texture contrast.

CONS

This recipe calls for quite a bit of sugar, so those watching their sugar intake should be mindful of portion size.

Also, the recipe may require some time and effort to properly core the apples and prepare the filling.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Apples are a rich source of dietary fiber and antioxidants, which help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Cranberries are also packed with antioxidants, and have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects.

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