Are you getting your apple a day? Your favorite apple varieties are in season, so now is the perfect time to eat up! Our easy Berry Baked Apple recipe is made in the microwave, so you can enjoy a sweet, delicious treat anytime –you could even have dessert for breakfast! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 baking apples, such as Granny Smith, Jonathan or Pink Lady
- 1/2 cup dried fruit, such as raisins or chopped apricots
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup frozen or fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup apple juice
What to do:
- With a paring knife or apple corer, remove cores from the apples; with a knife, peel the top half of the apples.
- In a small bowl, toss dried fruit and cinnamon; set aside.
- In four microwavable bowls (each large enough to hold one apple), place 2 tablespoons blueberries and 2 tablespoons apple juice. Place prepared apples on top of blueberries and evenly divide dried fruit mixture into the cavities and around the apples.
- Loosely cover each apple with plastic wrap or waxed paper; microwave until apples are tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. Allow to cool. Cover and refrigerate, if desired. Serve warm or cold for breakfast, snack or dessert.
Apples also pair well with cheese, and can turn the comfort food standard grilled cheese sandwich into something gourmet. Our Over-the-Top Grilled Cheese is elevated with candied pecans and sliced apples for a stunning combination of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 large Granny Smith apple, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
- 12 slices (3/4 oz each) Cheddar cheese
- 8 slices of your favorite bread
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 1 Cup pecan halves or chopped pecans
- Non-Stick Cooking Spray
- 1/4 Cup butter or margarine
- 1/4 Teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 Teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons water
What to do:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine sugar, water, honey, cinnamon and nutmeg in small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook until sugar is dissolved, stirring frequently. Add pecans; stir until evenly coated. Remove pecans from saucepan with slotted spoon; place in 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Spread to form even layer in pan. Bake 10 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Spray large sheet of aluminum foil with cooking spray. Spread pecans evenly on foil; cool completely. Break apart any pecans that are stuck together.
- Spread butter or margarine onto 1 side of each of the bread slices. Place 4 of the bread slices, spread-sides down, into large nonstick skillet. Top each bread slice with 2 cheese slices, about 1/3 cup of the pecan mixture and 1/4 of the apple slices. Cover each with third cheese slice and second bread slice, spread-side up.
- Cook over medium heat 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown on both sides. Enjoy!
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