Baked Apples

Time for a little dessert, don't you think? Oh, but this one won't leave you feeling guilty that you didn't stick with your New Year's resolution to eat healthier. Because this is made with fresh apples and only a bit of butter along with whole grains, nuts and no refined cane sugar. So now you can have your dessert and eat it too! And what better way to use up "imperfect" apples than to bake them up until they are warm and soft. The perfect ending to a busy week. Enjoy!

Baked Apples

3 apples, any variety

1/4 cup butter, melted

3/4 cup rolled oats

1/8 cup whole wheat or gluten free flour

1/4 cup pecans, chopped

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)

1 Tbsp. honey

2 Tbsp. coconut oil

3/4 cup water

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Wash the apples and cut them in half. Use a melon baller or a spoon to remove the core from each. Cut out any remaining stem. Place the apples cut side up in a small baking dish. Brush the flesh of the apples with the melted butter then sprinkle them with a bit of cinnamon. Set aside. In a small bowl combine oats, flour, pecans, cinnamon, coconut sugar, honey and coconut oil.

Stir well to combine. Spoon oat mixture over top of each apple. Pour 3/4 cup of water in the bottom of the pan. Cover with foil. Cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Serve warm. Add a dollop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.