Ingredients:

  • 4 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

  • 4 tablespoons Manuka honey

  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)

  • 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

  • 1/4 cup apple juice or water

  • Optional: Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Prepare the Apples:

    • Core the apples, leaving the bottoms intact to create a well for the filling.

    • Place the apples in a baking dish.

  3. Make the Filling:

    • In a bowl, combine the chopped nuts, raisins or dried cranberries, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves.

    • Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of Manuka honey and mix well.

  4. Stuff the Apples:

    • Spoon the filling into the hollowed-out centers of the apples, packing it tightly.

  5. Add Liquid:

    • Pour the apple juice or water into the baking dish to help steam the apples while they bake.

  6. Bake the Apples:

    • Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of Manuka honey over the tops of the apples.

    • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

    • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the apples are tender and the filling is bubbling.

  7. Serve:

    • Serve the baked apples warm, optionally topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Benefits:

  • Manuka Honey: Provides natural sweetness and has antibacterial properties.

  • Apples: A good source of fiber and vitamins, especially vitamin C.

  • Nuts and Dried Fruits: Add healthy fats, protein, and additional vitamins and minerals.

  • Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add warmth and flavor, and have antioxidant properties.

These Spiced Manuka Honey Baked Apples make a perfect winter dessert or snack, combining the warmth of spices with the natural sweetness of Manuka honey. Enjoy!