Stuffed & Baked Apples

When I was a teenager, my dad used to force me to help him stuff the turkey every Thanksgiving and Christmas. It was the one job that I DETESTED and I let him know it. I whined and complained and pulled every dramatic that a teenage girl could dream up, but he never wavered and always made me help. I think he just loved stirring up trouble beause he knew I hated that job.  

Since becoming a vegetarian, I try to steer clear of the bird and let the meat eaters tackle that job.

When it comes to stuffing food, I'd much rather stuff some sweet and juicy apples with a crumbly oatmeal mixture!! Since we got home from vacation, I can't get enough sweets. I've made chocolate macaroons and caramel popcorn, chowed down on a crustless pumpkin pie and even snuck a few bites of frozen Cool Whip right out of the freezer!! I'm telling you that getting  back into an eating routine is really hard after a week of Vegas indulgence followed by my birthday.

Yesterday, I prowled around the kitchen all day looking for something to satisfy my sweet tooth. I couldn't find anything, so I decided I needed to take matters into my own hands. I had a bag of apples that needed to be used up, so what better treat could I make than some baked apples stuffed with oatmeal, cocount and brown sugar?! 

The result was what I would call an inside out apple crumble that warms you from the inside out. It only takes a few minutes to put together and is absolutely delish! I topped my stuffed apple with some Cool Whip because that's all I had on hand, but they would be absolutely divine with some coconut or vanilla bean ice cream. 

Stuffed & Baked Apples

Serves 3 or 4

3 - 4 large apples, washed & cored

1/2 c large rolled oats

1/4 c unsweetened shredded coconut

1/4 c chopped pecans

1/4 c brown sugar

1 tsp lemon juice

2 tsp maple syrup

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Preheat your oven to 350. Line a small baking sheet with tinfoil or parchment paper.

Mix together all of the ingredients (except of course the apples) in a small mixing bowl.

Stuff the mixture into the apples.

Bake the apples for 24 - 26 minutes. They are done when the apples are soft and the oatmeal mixture is a golden brown.

This is a great way to use up some apples that have been hanging around too long.

Carve out the core and leave a great big space for all of that delicious filling.

Crumbly, oaty stuffing --- mmmmmmmm......

Stuff in as much oaty deliciousness as you can!

Line your pan with tinfoil to avoid a sticky mess.

Anything that cuts back on dish washing is a winner in my book!

Top with whipped cream or ice cream.

Seriously amazing!

What do you snack on when you have a "sweets" craving?

Favourite apple recipe? Link me up.

Have a fabulous day,

Andrea