UNIT 5: Russian Baked Apples Recipe (Печеные Яблоки)

INGREDIENTS

• 4 large Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples
• Lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons melted butter, divided use
• 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup raisins soaked in 2 tablespoons rum or water
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice (optional)
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 Russian Baked Apples

PREPARATION

1. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Find a baking dish that will just accommodate the apples without them rolling around. Coat it lightly with cooking spray. 
   
2. Make the filling by combining in a medium bowl 2 tablespoons melted butter with toasted walnuts, drained raisins, honey, cinnamon and other spices, if using. Set aside. 
   
3. Peel the apples. Rub them lightly with lemon juice. Slice off the top portion of the apples and core them, leaving the apples intact at the bottom to ensure that the filling will not run out. Place them in the prepared baking dish. 
   
4. Divide the filling among the four apples. Rub the exterior of the apples with 1 tablespoon melted butter. Place 1/4 cup water in the bottom of the baking pan and bake for 20 minutes until the apples are soft, but before they collapse. If desired, serve with pan juices, and ice cream or whipped cream.

Source: http://easteuropeanfood.about.com/od/russiandessertrecipes/r/Russian-Baked-Apples-Recipe-Pechenie-Yabloki.htm