Fabulous Baked Apple Crumbles

Why didn't I ever think of these??...such a clever little idea that I recently came across in a New Zealand House & Garden Magazine. A cross between a traditional baked apple & the ubiquitous apple crumble & better than both!
Choose great apples to start with. As many as the number of people that are going to be eating them!

I used some of these tree ripened Granny Smiths.

Cut the top off each apple & use a melon baller to scoop out the inside until you have a fine apple bowl. Throw away the core part. I wrapped each apple in a damp paper towel & cooked them for 1.5 minute in the microwave but you could cook them for 20 mins in the oven if you prefer.

While they are busy. Prepare the filling by putting the apple balls in to a pot..no need to cut them any further, include the flesh from the top of the apple too.

add a tbsp of raw sugar

a tsp good cinnamon

and 1/2 raisins

 ( I love the big sticky ones for something like this, but you could use any of your favourite dried fruit)

Add a very small amount of water (if any) and cook until the apple is tender.

Thicken with a tsp cornflour mixed in to a little cold water.

Spoon this mixture in to the apple shells.

 To make the crumble topping:
Combine 1/2 c rolled oats, 1/2 c wholemeal flour, 1/4 to 1/2 c of raw or brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, then rub in 50 gms of softened butter.

 Top the apples with the crumble & bake for about 20 mins in a medium oven.

 Done this way the fruity, spicy flavours go right through the apple..so delicious!

The original recipe mixed the apple with blackberries...that would be another excellent alternative.

Catherine