Cinnamon Coconut Baked Apples

Cinnamon Coconut Baked Apples

4 servings

4 baking organic apples, peeled and cored
4 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
4 teaspoon organic virgin coconut oil, melted
water

Topping:

1/4-1/2 cup Hail Merry Orange Cranberry Grawnola or

1/4- 1/2 cup Hail Merry Chimayo Chile Pecans

Dried Coconut shavings

Archeological data indicates that humans have been enjoying the health benefits of apples since 6500 BC. The Europeans first brought the fruit to America over 400 year’s ago and we have been enjoying the nutritional benefits and its sweet taste ever since. This gluten-free and vegan Baked Cinnamon Coconut Apple dessert features freshly harvested apples available in natural markets right now. The baked apple is topped with Hail Merry Grawnola and shaved dried coconut before serving to Feed Your Body Royally!

Does freshness matter when buying apples? Yes, because the fruit does not die when harvested. It remains a living organism that continues to take in oxygen and give off carbon dioxide. After harvest, an apple no longer receives nutrients from the tree and, since it is still respiring, it must use the food it has stored over the growing season. As this food is gradually used up during storage, the sugar, starch, and acid content of the apple change. Eventually the tissue breaks down; the apple becomes mealy, and develops an “off” flavor. Loss of water can cause the fruit to become rubbery. Proper apple storage preserves the quality of the fruit by slowing ripening and reducing water loss. If properly stored in a cool place with ventilation, many varieties of apples can be stored for two to three months and maintain a high nutritive value. After that, there is a gradual loss of nutrients, especially vitamin C.

Choose the freshest apples available for the this easy-bake dessert.

From www.hailmerry.com

1. In small bowl, mix maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg & melted coconut oil. Set aside.

2. Core apples and pare 1 inch strip of skin from around middle of each apple or pare upper half of each to prevent splitting. Place apples upright in ungreased baking dish. Pour 4 teaspoons of maple syrup mixture into center of each apple. Pour water (1/4 inch deep) into baking dish.

3. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees until tender when pierced with fork, 30-40 minutes. (Time will vary with size and type of apples.) Spoon syrup in dish over apples several times during baking if desired.

4. Transfer apples to serving plate and top with Grawnola or pecans and dried coconut. Serve warm.