Baked Apples

Instructions

1. Prepare the apples
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Using a sharp knife or apple corer, remove the core from each apple, leaving about 1/2 inch at the bottom intact to create a cavity for the filling. Using a small spoon, scoop out the seeds and tough core parts. Place the apples in a baking dish.
2. Make the filling
   In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, chopped nuts, dried cranberries or raisins, 1 tablespoon of butter (cut into tiny pieces), cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix until well combined.
3. Stuff the apples
   Spoon the filling mixture evenly into the cored apples, pressing down gently to pack it in. Place a small piece of the remaining butter on top of each stuffed apple.
4. Prepare the basting liquid
   In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider or water with honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the honey is dissolved. Pour this mixture around (not over) the apples in the baking dish.
5. Bake the apples
   Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork and the tops are golden brown. Baste the apples with the juices from the pan once or twice during the uncovered baking time.
6. Serve warm
   Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the apples cool for 5-10 minutes. Transfer each apple to a serving dish and spoon some of the pan juices over the top. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.