spiced baked apples

serves 4

melted butter, for brushing

4 green apples

3 tablespoons raw (demerara) sugar

3 tablespoons chopped dried figs

3 tablespoons chopped dried apricots

3 tablespoons slivered almonds

1 tablespoon apricot jam

¼ teaspoon ground cardamom

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

30 g (1 oz) unsalted butter, chopped

whipped cream, custard or ice cream, to serve (optional)

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F/Gas 4). Brush a square, deep baking dish with melted butter. Peel the apples and remove the cores. Gently roll each apple in the sugar. In a bowl, mix together the figs, apricots, almonds, jam and spices. Fill each apple with some of the fruit mixture. Place the apples in the baking dish and dot with pieces of butter.

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the apples are tender. Serve warm with whipped cream, custard or ice cream, if desired. Spiced baked apples are best prepared and baked just before serving.