Rae Udy

RECIPES: Cinnamon Applesauce, Nutty Baked Apples

By Rae Udy

Many think apples are the perfect fruit and I wouldn’t disagree. They are one of the most healthy and versatile foods around. A medium apple contains only 70 calories and just a trace of fat. Apples also are a good source of vitamin A, calcium and iron.
Apples may have been introduced into the America’s in the early 1600’s by the pioneers planting apple seeds as they traveled West. There are more than 7,500 varieties of apples, however only about fifty are planted extensively.
Try Pippins, Rome Beauties or other cooking apples for Cinnamon Applesauce. Low in calories and fat, this nutritious recipe makes a great breakfast, dessert or delightful side dish. Applesauce is also a low-fat replacement for butter or oil in baking.
Red and Golden Delicious or Granny Smith apples are well-suited for Nutty Baked Apples. Simple to prepare, this healthy dessert is elegant enough to serve at a dinner party and easy enough to make anytime.

CINNAMON APPELSAUCE
8 large cooking apples
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
½ cup cold water
¼ cup raw brown sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Peel and core apples, slice into eight pieces. Sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent browning. Place in a heavy saucepan and add water. Cover with tight fitting lid and cook over medium-low heat until apples are soft, about twenty minutes. Add sugar and cinnamon. Stir until mixed. Remove from heat and set aside to cool for fifteen minutes. Pour applesauce through a colander for a smooth texture or serve as is for a chunky taste. Yields four cups.
MICROWAVE INSTRUCTIONS: Place prepared apples in a microwave safe glass bowl and cover with water. Cook two to three minutes or until apples are soft. Add sugar and cinnamon and cook one minute longer. Cool and serve.

NUTTY BAKED APPLES
6 large Red Delicious apples
½ cup raw brown sugar
½ cup chopped walnuts
½ cup quick-cooking oatmeal (uncooked)
¼ cup raisins
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wash apples well and dry. Carefully core the center of the apples and remove one inch of the skin around the top of each apple. Arrange in a baking dish in about one-half inch of cold water. In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, walnuts, oatmeal, raisins and nutmeg. Mix well. Fill each apple center with about one-quarter cup of nut mixture. Bake for thirty to forty minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven. The cooking time varies depending on size and texture of apples. Baste once or twice with cooking juices while baking. Remove from oven and set aside to cool five minutes. Serve warm with low-fat whipped topping. Serves six.