Granola-Ginger Baked Apples

Delicious and very fun for fall.

4 large apples (pref. Golden Delicious, Jonagold, or Macintosh)

3 (1.5-oz.) oat-and-honey granola bars, finely crushed (or equivalent amount of granola)

1/2 c. roasted salted almonds, chopped

1/4 c. finely chopped crystallized ginger

1 Tbsp. butter, softened

3/4 tsp. cinnamon

1 3/4 c. apple cider or orange juice

1/3 c. cherry preserves

1 7-oz, container low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt

1. Preheat oven to 375. Cut apples in half, cutting through stem and bottom ends. Scoop out core and pulp, leaving a 3/4-inch shell. Cut about 1/4-inch from opposite side of apple, forming a flat base.

2. Stir together crushed granola bars and next 4 ingredients. Spoon mixture into apple shells, pressing gently to pack. Arrange apples in a 13- x 9-inch pan. Pour cider around apples in pan.

3. Bake at 375 fro 25 to 45 minutes or until apples are tender, basting twice with pan juices.

4. Place apples on serving plate. Add preserves to pan juices, and cook, over medium-high heat, stirring constantly 5 to 6 minutes or until thickened. Serve apples with warm sauce and Greek yogurt.

Also good with pears, although make sure and don't overcook because it isn't as good if they are too mushy (trust me, I know).

Note: Original recipe from Southern Living magazine.

New Favorite Granola Recipe

I love this recipe. It is fast, easy, delicious and healthy! Most home-made granola recipes require oil and lots of baking time in the oven, but this one is prepared right on the stove top

Dry-Roasted Granola
1 c. raw rolled oats
1/3 c. chopped nuts

1/3 c. sesame seeds
1/3 c. sunflower seeds
1/3 c. shredded coconut
1/3 c. wheat germ (if already toasted, wait a few minutes to add it to the roasting mixture)

1/4 c. packed brown sugar
1/4 tsp. (heaping) salt

1. In a large skillet (original recipe said cast-iron works best; I used a non-stick with great results) place the oats and nuts. Turn teh heat to medium-low, and stir them constantly for 5 minutes as they begin to roast.
2. Add the following 4 ingredients (plus or minus whatever you prefer in your granola) and keep roasting them for 8-10 more mintues, stirring the whole time.
3. Sprinkle the brown sugar and salt into the mixture. Cook for 2-5 more mintues, still stirring. Remove from heat, cool, and store in an airtight container.

The brown sugar melts a bit, coating the granola. This recipe is a perfect mix of sweet and slightly salty and truly great. The first time I made this, I added some honey because I wanted my granola to be a bit chunkier, but I wasn't pleased with the results.