These boozy baked apples are a satisfying simple treat, to be enjoyed whenever that sweet tooth craving may strike. Apples are gently baked in spice infused orange juice and laced, with a generous tot or two of brandy. This is delicious apple pie for grown ups, without the heaviness of all that pastry.
6 apples, washed and cored
3 tbsp butter
3 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 Third cup apricots, finely chopped
1 Third cup dates, finely chopped
1 tsp orange zest
2 1/2 oranges, juiced
6 tbsp brandy
2 star anise
1/2 cup chopped pistachio nuts
Place the cored apples in a baking tray.
In a bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, chopped apricots, dates, cinnamon and orange zest.
Spoon the mixture equally into the cavity of the apples and dot the rest around the baking tray.
Mix the orange juice, brandy and star anise together. Pour it over the apples.
Place the tray in a pre heated, 190 degree Celsius oven and bake for approximately 30 – 35 mins, or until tender.
Remove the apples from the oven and place them on a serving dish.
Drizzle with the excess syrup at the bottom of the baking tray.
Sprinkle the apples with the chopped pistachio nuts and serve with dollops of vanilla ice cream.
