ππ° Almond Stuffed Baked Apple Halves ππ°
What is it?
Almond Stuffed Baked Apple Halves are a delightful dessert or snack made by hollowing out apple halves, filling them with a delicious almond mixture, and then baking them until they’re tender and fragrant. This dish combines the natural sweetness of apples with the nutty goodness of almonds, creating a comforting and flavorful treat.
History:
The exact origin of this dish is unclear, but variations of stuffed baked apples have been enjoyed for centuries. Apples have been cultivated for thousands of years and have always been a popular ingredient in desserts. The combination of almonds and apples likely emerged as a result of creative culinary experimentation.
Components:
- Apples: Choose firm and slightly tart apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, for the best results.
- Almonds: Ground almonds or almond meal are used in the filling to add a rich, nutty flavor.
- Sugar: Sweetness is added with sugar, usually brown sugar or granulated sugar.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are often used to season the almond mixture, giving it warmth and depth of flavor.
- Butter: A small amount of butter adds richness to the filling and helps with browning.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice can be used to prevent the apples from browning and to add a touch of acidity.
- Optional: Raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts can be added to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
Steps to Prepare:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
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Prepare the Apples: Wash and halve the apples vertically. Use a melon baller or a spoon to carefully remove the cores and create a hollow space in each half. Brush the cut sides with lemon juice to prevent browning.
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Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ground almonds, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a small amount of melted butter. Mix until it forms a crumbly texture.
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Fill the Apples: Fill each apple half with the almond mixture, pressing it gently to pack the filling.
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Bake: Place the stuffed apple halves in a baking dish. You can sprinkle some additional sugar and cinnamon on top for extra flavor. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the apples are tender.
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Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven, and let them cool slightly. You can garnish with powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Time Needed to Prepare:
- Preparation Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
- Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 40-50 minutes
These Almond Stuffed Baked Apple Halves are a wonderful dessert that brings together the natural sweetness of apples and the delightful nuttiness of almonds. They make a perfect treat for any season and can be enjoyed on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special indulgence. Enjoy! ππ°π¨
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Almond Stuffed Baked Apple Halves:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving):
- Calories: 200-250 kcal
- Total Fat: 7-10g
- Saturated Fat: 2-3g
- Cholesterol: 5-10mg
- Sodium: 10-20mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35-45g
- Dietary Fiber: 5-6g
- Sugars: 25-30g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Vitamin C: 10-15% DV
- Calcium: 2-4% DV
- Iron: 2-4% DV
Health Information:
- Apples are a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps keep you feeling full.
- Almonds provide healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy.
- The combination of fiber from apples and protein from almonds can help stabilize blood sugar levels, making this dessert suitable for some people with diabetes in moderation.
- Cinnamon may have potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- While this dessert is relatively low in saturated fat and sodium, it does contain added sugars, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- To make it even healthier, you can reduce the sugar content or use a sugar substitute if desired.
Remember that the specific nutritional content can vary depending on the type and size of apples used, the exact ingredients in your almond filling, and portion sizes. It’s always a good idea to consult with a nutritionist or healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
