Saturday, December 17, 2011

Cider Baked Apples

In a long, long list of favorite desserts, baked apple is way up there. Way, way up there. Practically tops! This recipe is simple and easy and I added the pecans because we love apples and pecans. You can add anything you like, the recipe is easy, simple and so good. And being the somewhat lazy cook that I am I didn't even bother to baste them, instead halfway through cooking I just turned the apples upside down and finished baking. Being not completely lazy, I served them right side up!




Cider Baked Apples with Pecans

2 1/2 cups apple cider
6 Fuji apples (or any firm cooking apple)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
pinch of salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Pour the cider into a small skillet and bring it to a boil. On medium heat, continue to boil until the liquid reduces by a little less than half. It should be somewhat syrupy, but it won't be very thick. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't boil out.

While the cider is reducing, peel the skin from the top third of each apple. Use a melon baller or an apple corer to dig out the core. Place the apples in a baking dish. Stuff the pecans into the apple cavities. Sprinkle some pecans in the baking dish.

Stir the cinnamon, butter and brown sugar into the cider syrup. Pour it into the apple cavities, allowing it to overflow into the baking dish. Bake the apples for 40 to 50 minutes, until they are soft and tender, but not mush. Baste the apples occasionally in the cider syrup. Add more cider if it needs more liquid. The actual cooking time will depend on the size of the apples, larger apples may take longer.

Serve the apples warm with the syrup and pecans spooned over them. It's also nice topped with ice cream, whipped cream, yogurt or a cream anglaise.

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30 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness they make my mouth water. Must make them soon.

    MERRY CHRISTMAS

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  2. What a wonderful dessert for this time of the year; a must try. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
    Rita

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  3. These look fabulous. We made a simlar recipe this fall it was inside out carmel apples.
    Hope you have a great day!

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  4. Hmmm... I have local apple cider in the fridge...

    Thanks for the latkes tips, I appreciate your help. Consider yourself followed!
    -Karen

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  5. Oh, yum, Carol! I choose cream anglaise for mine, please! Happy week!...hugs...Debbie

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  6. These sound very comforting and just like winter!

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  7. Now THIS is more like it!! This looks and sounds so good for a cold winter night. Seems like I can smell the aroma now... ME

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  8. Would you believe that I've never eaten a baked apple? That definitely needs to change! This looks delicious!

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  9. delicious looking dessert
    happy holidays to you and family

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  10. I do believe I can smell this - mmmmmm - one of my favorite combinations of flavours.

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  11. What a lovely dessert!

    Happy Holiday and New Year Carol!!

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  12. Apples and apple cider are always in our fridge and this looks absolutely delicious! You and your family have a wonderful holiday!
    ~Judy

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  13. Beautiful and love the whipped cream on the side.

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  14. So simple and very heavenly always.

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  15. This was a beautiful presentation of a baked apple, Carol.

    Wishing you and your family a very Happy Hanukkah!

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  16. I got a baked apple for dessert at a restaurant on Monday and it reminded me just how delicious they are! Definitely need to try your recipe!

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  17. This sounds like a delicious recipe, Carol! Baked apples are so simple but so delicious. I love your addition of the pecans - perfect. Who needs pie crust, anyway?

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  18. Carol, love the simplicity of this baked apple...especially with apple cider...sounds delicious. Perfect for a cold day.
    Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones :-)

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  19. Apple and whipped cream...oooh, sounds interesting!

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  20. Oh these look and sound so delicious!! I really like apples fixed most anyway but this recipe sounds really good!!

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  21. I have an apple orchard and of course love baked apples. I like your recipe with the pecans...I have only use raisins before.

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  22. That looks super amazing - I love the idea of doing a whole baked apple with a sweet cider glaze. I'm picturing this with vanilla ice cream, so good!

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  23. I can eat this without regrets can't I? After all is fruit isn't it? lol. Looks perfect for the period of time! Merry Christmas to you and your family Carol!

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  24. Happy Holidays and all the best for the New Year!

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  25. This just looks great. Thanks for the link up. In a day or 2 we should have a great collection of apple recipes. Have a good week.

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Thank you for taking the time to comment. They are fun to read and very much appreciated! Sorry for comment moderation, the spam has been overwhelming lately.

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