I love that I can make a delicious baked apple in just five minutes. It’s a perfect fall treat to make for yourself, or to share with friends. Add your favorite apple toppings - dried fruit, nuts, oats, granola - lots of room for creativity!

1 apple, preferably Cortland
A dab of butter (1/2 Tbsp)
1 Tbsp brown sugar, maple syrup, or Sweetener of choice (or more, to taste)
Cinnamon
3-5 Tbsp Cider or 2 Tbsp Water
Optional toppings: nuts, granola, oats, dried fruit

1.Cut out the center of the apple starting at the stem, down to and including core. A spoon is helpful to scoop out the seeds and membranes. Leave the blossom end in tact. You should now have a sort of apple bowl with a cylindrical reservoir. ready to fill with deliciousness.

2. Place apple in microwave-safe bowl. Sprinkle with cinnamon and fill the inside with bits of butter and brown sugar, and toppings of your choice.

3. Add cider or water to bowl, around the apple. Microwave for 3-5 minutes or until the apple is soft throughout (stab it with a fork). Allow to cool for a couple minutes, then added cream, whipped cream, or ice cream if you’re going that route.

4. You now have a warm apple treat to enjoy and your kitchen smells delicious!

Note: Cortlands will take less 3-5 minutes depending on size, while a 20oz apple might take closer to 8-10 minutes. I tested this recipe this morning (pictured above) by cooking a very large 7” Cortland apple for 5 minutes. I came back to a rather deflated but absolutely delicious apple.

This could be a super healthy treat cooked with only cinnamon and water, or a rich dessert, topped with caramel and whipped cream. Cardamom, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg are nice additions too.