Happy New Year! (a few days late…)
I hope everyone had a great Christmas and a wonderful new year celebration! I felt so refreshed on New Year’s Day. This past year seemed kind of tiring (in good ways) when I stopped to reflect on EVERYTHING we did. I’m feeling more confident than ever that this year is going to be AWESOME and hopefully a bit less tiring!
With the new year, comes new year’s resolutions. One of my resolutions is to spend more time with you, right here! Cheer me on! My other resolution to eat better is kind of… somewhat working. Unless, you count cookies as an unhealthy snack? Okay, today I’m not doing as well. HA!
Are you excited about 2014? Any big plans or resolutions?
Here is a super-easy dessert that seems “fancy” if you are entertaining or need a quick dessert to please. Also, this is a great dessert because you can make one, two or a slew for any size dinner.
I made these for Dan’s birthday a couple weeks ago. We enjoyed them warm with ice cream on top (praline caramel pecan to be specific – wanted to get his favorite for his birthday). I know, I know… I am an awesome wife!
Any who, check out the printable (if you even need to print this one – TOO EASY!)
- 2 Granny Smith Apples, Cored
- 2 tsp. Brown Sugar
- 1/4 tsp. Vanilla Extract
- 2 tsp. Oatmeal
- Dash of Cinnamon
- Pat of Butter
- Splash of apple cider, juice or some water
- Cut out the top part of the core.
- Use a small spoon to remove the core and seeds. Be sure not to puncture the bottom of the apple.
- Fill the apple with the brown sugar, oatmeal, cinnamon.
- Pour in the vanilla extract and top each apple with a small pat of butter.
- Pour a small amount of apple cider into the bottom of the pan and cover with foil. (Could substitute cider for apple juice or water)
- Bake at 325 degrees for about 1 hour. Apple will be tender. Do not over bake, as apple will be come too soft.
Wash up or your apples and cut the top of the core out. I used granny smith, but use your favorite baking apple.
Then use a small spoon (I used a measuring spoon) to cut out the rest of the core and seeds. Be sure not to puncture through the bottom of the apple.
Now you are ready to fill with the mixture.
Add in the dry ingredients. Then pour the vanilla into the center. Add a pat of butter on top (I took a photo before I put the butter on top – I just like to keep you guessing, haha!)
Then pour a small amount of apple cider (apple juice or water would be fine too) into the bottom of the pan. Cover with foil and bake for about one hour at 325 degrees.
Serve warm! We had ours with ice cream (because that is just my thing – always have to have warm desserts a la mode). However, this apple is so good on its own. Prepare it with a little less sugar and that is one dessert you can feel good about in the new year… especially if you already had a cookie at lunch like this girl right here!
Enjoy!
Have a great weekend and look forward to seeing you even more this year!
-RH
From personal experience, you definitely need to try it with chocolate in the middle and after baking to pour warm vanilla cream sauce over it. It is amazing.
Wow! Jessica, that sounds sinfully delicious! Will do!
Your post came just in time. I had Granny Smiths (left over from a pie) in the fridge and didn’t want to make another pie. Made them on Saturday night for dessert, and I’m only just now telling you they were delicious, and we felt healthy eating them because we didn’t have any ice cream. 🙂
That’s great! So glad you tried these! And yes, a very light dessert if your will power can keep you from the ice cream part 😉 Thanks for stopping by, love hearing from you!
Wow, these look SO good! We make something similar when we go camping, and you just pop the apples into the fire wrapped in aluminum foil for a while. Deeeelicious.
That is a great idea Kelly! I’m making a note for when summertime rolls around again… Is it ever going to be summer again!?! Haha, this bitter cold weather has been crazy!