BAKED APPLE CRUMBLES

These baked apples have all the flavour (and wonderful fragrance) of apple pie, but are healthier.

Serves 4

30g finely chopped raw walnuts

25g rolled oats

1tbsp raisins

1tbsp almond butter

1tsp ground cinnamon 4 large firm baking apples, washed and cored

1tsp blended peeled lemon (see page 50)

1tbsp Date Syrup (see left)

Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan 160°C/gas 4. In a food processor, combine the walnuts, oats, raisins, almond butter and cinnamon. Pulse until well mixed. Set aside. Peel the apples one-quarter of the way down. Rub the exposed apple with the lemon to stop discolouration. Stuff the crumble mixture into the centre of the cored apples. Spoon the Date Syrup evenly over the top of the crumble.

Arrange the apples upright in a shallow ovenproof dish and pour 120ml water around them. Cover and bake for 1 hour, until the apples are tender. Serve warm.

VARIATION If you want to save time, you can ‘bake’ the apples in a microwave. Prepare the apples as above, then arrange them in a microwave-safe baking dish. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 5-8 minutes, until the apples are tender. Allow to stand for 5 minutes before serving as the apples will be very hot inside.