Baked Apples

 

    I bought several pounds of apples recently to try a few of Mrs. Pidgeon's apple desserts, and forgot about them.  They reached a point where they had not gone bad, but I knew they would need to be baked in order to be enjoyed (as they had gone just a bit mushy) and this recipe seemed to be the perfect way to save them! 

Baked Apples

6 T unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 cup rolled oats
6 apples

Cream together butter, sugar, and spices. Fold in oats. Gently core the apples, leaving the bottom of the apple intact so it stands in a baking sheet.  Place all the cored apples standing upright on a large baking sheet and spoon filling into each apple all the way to the top. Add a little warm water to the pan around the apples to prevent drying out. Bake at 375 F for 45 minutes. Baste with a little juice from the pan before serving. 

Top with cranberries, chopped nuts, caramel or whipped topping if desired!