••••FRUIT AND NUT BAKED APPLES••••

(Source: Publications International, Slow Cooker Bible & photos)

••••GREAT FOR A COLD DAY!!!

••••FRUIT AND NUT BAKED APPLES ••••

•4 large baking apples, such as Rome Beauty or Jonathan

•1 tablespoon lemon juice

•1/3 cup chopped dried apricots

•1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

•3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar

•1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

•2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted 

1. Scoop out center of each apple, leaving 1-1/2-inch-wide cavity about 1/2 inch from bottom. Peel top of apple down about 1 inch. Brush peeled edges evenly with lemon juice.  Mix apricots, walnuts, brown sugar and cinnamon in small bowl. Add butter; mix well. Spoon mixture evenly into apple cavities.

2. Pour 1/2 cup water in bottom of slow cooker. Place 2 apples in bottom of cooker. Arrange remaining 2 apples above but not directly on top of bottom apples.

3. Cover; cook on LOW 3 to 4 hours or until apples are tender.  Serve warm or at room temperature with carmel ice cream topping, if desired.

•Makes 4 servings

••HELPFUL HINT••

•Acidic lemon juice is brushed onto the cut surfaces of apples and pears to prevent them from discoloring when they are exposed to air.