APPLES WITH ALMOND-APRICOT SAUCE
Baked apples are always a treat , but coring whole apples can be a hassle . Just buy larger apples and cut them in half . Then all you have to do is scoop out the easily accessible core , add the sweet toppings , and let your slow cooker take it from there .
Servings : 4
Ingredients
• Cooking spray
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 large apples ( about 8 ounces each ), halved and cored
• 1 / 4 cup chopped almonds
• 2 tablespoons chopped dried apricots
• 2 tablespoons firmly packed dark brown sugar
• 1 / 4 teaspoon ground ginger OR 1 / 4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 / 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 / 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon light tub margarine
Directions Lightly spray the slow cooker with cooking spray . Pour in the water . Add the apple halves with the cut sides up .
In a small bowl , stir together the remaining ingredients except the margarine . Spoon onto each apple half . Top each with 1 teaspoon margarine . Cover and cook on low for 2 to 2 1 / 2 hours or on high for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes , or until just tender . Be careful not to overcook or apples will become mushy ; the apples will continue to cook while cooling .
Carefully transfer the apples to plates , leaving the sauce in the slow cooker . Stir the sauce . Spoon over the apples . Let cool completely , about 30 minutes . The sauce will thicken slightly while cooling .
Nutrition Facts Calories : 149 Total Fat : 5g Saturated Fat : 0.5g Trans Fat : 0g Polyunsaturated Fat : 1g Monounsaturated Fat : 3g Cholesterol : 0mg Sodium : 34mg Total Carbohydrates : 27g Dietary Fiber : 4g Sugars : 21g Protein : 2g uabmedicine . org / heart 3