Baked Apples

Baked apples are a simple and delicious dessert that can be prepared in little time. Here is a classic version with an Italian touch:

Ingredients

• 4 apples (preferably varieties like Golden Delicious or Renetta)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 4 tablespoons of brown sugar or honey
• 4 teaspoons of butter
• Ground cinnamon (to taste)
• A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• Water or sweet Italian white wine (for example a good Moscato)

Preparation

1. Wash the apples and remove the core with an apple corer keeping the apple whole.
2. Arrange the apples in a baking dish.
3. Sprinkle them with brown sugar or drizzle with honey.
4. Squeeze the lemon juice over the apples, helping to prevent oxidation and add a touch of acidity.
5. Place a teaspoon of butter on top of each apple.
6. Sprinkle the apples with a bit of cinnamon and, if desired, a pinch of nutmeg.
7. Pour a little water or, for an all-Italian touch, some sweet white wine, just enough to cover the bottom of the baking dish.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 30-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender but not falling apart.

You can serve the apples hot or at room temperature, perhaps accompanied by vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of crumbled cookies to add crunchiness.

Trivia

Although baked apples are considered a classic autumn or winter dessert, they are also an excellent accompaniment for meat dishes, particularly pork, as the sweetness of the apples creates a perfect contrast of flavors.