Baked Apples with Nuts & Cinnamon

(Serves 4)

Whether you are watching your weight or just wanting a healthy dessert or snack that incorporates fruit and healthy fats, here’s a delicious recipe that is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and can be sweetened with a sugar-free substitute or 100% honey or maple syrup if looking for a more ‘natural’ sweetener. It's also perfect for the Soft Food & Full Solid Phase or could be pureed for the Pureed phase.

Ingredients

• 2 Apples, halved and cores removed
• 4-5 tablespoons almond or hazelnut meal
• 1½ -2 teaspoons preferred sweetener e.g. stevia, maple syrup or honey
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or bean paste
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1-2 tablespoons almond milk (or any milk), enough to make ingredient stick together in a thick paste
• Extra sweetener and cinnamon for sprinkling

Method

Pre-heat oven to 200 degrees Celsius.

1. Place all ingredients except apples in a bowl and combine well to make the nut mix
2. Evenly divide nut mix between the 4 apple halves, firmly packing it into the core area. Sprinkle apples lightly with extra Natvia (or brown sugar if preferred) and cinnamon.
3. Place apples in oven and bake for 10 minutes, then cover with aluminium foil (to prevent burning) and back for a further 20 minutes or until soft.
4. Remove from oven and enjoy warm or cold alone or with yoghurt.

Note:

• Finely chopped dates or sultanas can be added to the nut mix for another flavour dimension.