Baked apples are a simple yet delightful winter dessert that fills your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and warmth. Core your favorite apples and stuff them with a mixture of oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for added sweetness, and bake until the apples are tender and the filling is bubbly.

Serve warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This dessert is not only delicious but also offers a nostalgic taste of home, making it a perfect way to end a cosy winter meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
• 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Honey or maple syrup (for drizzling)
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Apples: Core the apples, leaving the bottoms intact. You can use a melon baller or a paring knife to carefully remove the core.
3. Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped nuts, and raisins (if using). Mix well.
4. Stuff the Apples: Fill each apple with the oat mixture, pressing down slightly to pack it in. Top each apple with a tablespoon of butter.
5. Bake: Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish and add a splash of water to the bottom of the dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the apples are tender.
6. Serve: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup and serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.