The holidays are just around the corner, and we are here to help you prepare! Aren’t you tired of spending tons of money on store-bought cakes and sweets, yet you don’t have the time, nor the skills to make your own desserts? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article we shall teach you 2 super easy recipes that will just fill your house with that beautiful holiday aroma of cinnamon, apples and spiced cakes, that will welcome all your family and friends over for a cosy and heartwarming celebration. 

1) Baked Cinnamon Spiced Apples!

Ingredients:

• 4 red apples (or as many as you please – the more the merrier!)
• ¼ cup Dark Brown sugar (with molasses)
• 1 tsp Cinnamon powder (can be increased depending on preference)
• 1 tbsp Cold Butter (about 1 stick)
• ¼ cup Raisins
• ¼ cup Chopped pecans (optional)
• 1 tsp powdered clover (optional)
• 1 tsp powdered cardamom (optional)

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 190 C (this should be done about 15 mins in advance)
2. Wash your apples thoroughly, and cut out one hole in the middle of each apple (to stuff them with the filling later), leaving the bottom 1/2 intact to sustain the filling. This can be done using an apple corer, if unavailable, a knife will do just fine as well.
3. In a bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients – brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom and clove powder, raisins and pecans, using a large whisk. If cardamom and clover powder are unavailable, Nutmeg powder could also be used as a substitute. 
4. Line a baking tray with baking paper, then place the cored apples on the tray leaving about a two finger distance between them. 
5. Fill each apple to the brim with the dry mixture which you have prepared earlier.
6. Cut the cold butter stick into 4 equal cubes, and place one on top of each filled apple.
7. If you have extra filling left, sprinkle it around the apples on the tray – this will caramelise in the oven, thus producing a delicious sauce!
8. Bake the apples in the preheated oven (at 190C) for 45-60 minutes.
9. When baked, remove the apples from the oven, and serve!

Serving Tip:

These warm delicious baked apples could be served with a scoop of Vanilla ice cream on the side, and a drizzle of caramel sauce – simply heavenly! 

Photographs before and after baking:

This is such an easy and fast recipe that anyone can attempt and succeed at. It’s not the most aesthetic dessert, but I promise that if you give it a try, you will instantly fall-in-love! It is simply flavoursome, and the intense aroma of the apple and cinnamon is the perfect touch you need for the holidays – and on any other day in fact! The contrast between the warm baked apple and the cold creamy ice-cream will leave you craving for the next bite instantly! Try it for yourself – it’s super easy and healthy even! Bon Appetite!

An alternative recipe to the famous “Baked Cinnamon Apples” could be found on this website: https://preppykitchen.com/baked-apples/

2) Apple Crumble!

Ingredients:

1st Base:

• 4 Large Red Apples
• ½ cup Blueberries (optional)

• ¼ cup Sugar
• 1 lemon (juiced)

• 2 tbsp All-purpose Flour

• ½ tsp Cinnamon Powder

• ½ tsp Cardamom Powder (optional)

2nd Base:

• 1 cup All-purpose Flour

• 1 ¼ cups Rolled Oats

• ½ cup Dark Brown Sugar

• 1 tsp Cinnamon powder

• 1 pinch Salt

• 8 tbsp Cold Butter (1 stick)
• 1 cup Walnuts or Pecans (chopped)

Method:

1. Preheat Oven to 170C (about 15 mins before baking)
2. Chop all the apples into small cubes (about ¼ inch)
3. In a large bowl, mix together all the first base ingredients; the apple chopped cubes; the washed and dried blueberries, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon and cardamom powder, using a wooden spoon. Make sure the apple pieces and blueberries are covered in the other ingredients.
4. In a large round (or square) oven tray, spread the mixture in an even layer, by tapping them evenly with the wooden spoon. Set aside when done.
5. For the second (crumb) layer, mix the flour, oats, dark brown sugar, cinnamon powder, salt, and walnuts all together in a large bowl. 
6. Cut the cold butter stick into small cube slices, and add them to the mixture.
7. Using your fingers, gently work-in the butter into the dry ingredients until the lumpy crumble is formed. 
8. Add this mixture on top of the first layer in the tray evenly using a wooden spoon. 
9. Optional – decorate with more walnuts on top of the mixture or desiccated coconut bits. 
10. Bake at 170C in an already preheated oven for about 45 mins.
11. Serve warm, with a scoop of Vanilla ice-cream on the side, and a generous caramel drizzle!

This is my own recipe that I’ve created after trying out different ones. Other bakers make it differently, one of my favourite recipes is found on: http://Apple Crisp – Preppy Kitchenhttps://preppykitchen.com › Recipes › Desserts

Photographs during the stages of making (first layer, and second layer)

 This recipe is totally fool-proof, but unbelievably mouth-watering! It is quick and easy to make, and healthy at the same time keeping in mind that we are using brown sugar, oats, and apples! The scent it produces when it bakes is beyond the description of words – it arises from the nostalgia of the Christmas holidays! Try it for yourself and see! You will not regret it.

Impress your family and friends with a delicious fresh dessert that will make the evening memorable!