Ginger Baked Apples

Ginger Baked Apples from the Bon Appetit Fast Easy Fresh Cookbook by Barbara Fairchild (Wiley, October 2008)

2 SERVINGS; CAN BE DOUBLED

These beauties are actually cooked in the microwave and browned briefly under the broiler—so you can enjoy the homey treat in minutes. Raisins or currants make an excellent addition to the ginger filling.

2 large baking apples (such as Rome Beauty)
2 tablespoons chopped crystallized ginger
1 tablespoon butter, melted
6 tablespoons water
1½ tablespoons sugar
1½ teaspoons fresh lemon juice
¾ teaspoon fi nely grated lemon peel
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Whipped cream (optional)

PEEL each apple halfway down from stem end. Using small melon baller, core each apple, leaving bottom intact. Place apples in broilerproof microwave- safe casserole dish. Mix ginger and butter in small bowl. Spoon half of ginger mixture into each apple.

STIR all remaining ingredients except cream in small saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves and syrup boils. Pour syrup over apples. Cover loosely with microwave-safe plate or glass cover. Microwave on high until apples are tender, rotating dish twice, about 6 minutes. Uncover; spoon juices over.

PREHEAT broiler. Broil apples until tops are glazed and syrup bubbles, about 2 minutes. Serve apples with whipped cream, if desired.

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