Sharing my food from my kitchen and garden are important to me, followed by the simplicity of preparation. With these thoughts as my foundation I am also reminded that to be healthy, I have to eat healthy. Don’t get me wrong I eat my share of crap food, on the run, and through the drive through window, but, every time I do, I am reminded that eatng like that does not make me feel my best.
This week I turned some time to reading my Stack it High Let it Fly food magazine pile and I managed to dog ear pages of recipes that caught my attention-this was one of them. I even made a special trip to Trader Joe’s to pick up the ingredients.
The granny smith apples with the core carved out stuffed with a mixture of ricotta cheese, orange zest, crushed hazelnuts (I used pistachios) chopped dark chocolate and raw honey tastes as good as it looks. What is better it is a fairly light dessert that packs real nutrition with no sugar hangover.
Roasted Apple with Ricotta, Hazelnuts and Dark Chocolate
Serves 6
Recipe from Clean Eating Magazine
Ingredients:
Organic unsalted butter, as needed
6 firm baking apples (such as Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Crispin or Pippin)
1-1/2 cups reduced-fat or regular ricotta cheese
3/4 cup unsalted hazelnuts, ground or crushed (note: I used pistachios)
1/2 cup 70% or greater dark chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup raw honey, divided
1 tbsp orange zest
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Brush the bottom of a medium baking pan with butter. Slice a small piece off the bottom of each apple so they stand flat without falling over. Cut off the tops of apples and using, a spoon or small knife, carve out the core, leaving a thickness of about 1-inch of apple all around. Transfer apples to baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, hazelnuts, chocolate, 3 tbsp honey and orange zest. Divide mixture among apples, filling inside cavity of each mounting on top.
3. Dizzle remaining 1 tbsp honey over apples and bake until ricotta-chocolate mixture starts to melt and skin of apples has browned slightly, about 15 minutes. Serve warm.
Enjoy!
The JR
Oh goodness, how creative. Love the idea so much.p.s., this is Ramona. I changed my google + i.d.
~~louise~~
I must say, Velva, this is a new one on me. I don't think I have ever seen a recipe for Apples stuffed with Ricotta. Very interesting and definitely better eating than some of the \”stuff\” I've been eating lately. (I've been on a Mounds kick for weeks now:) I can't even imagine how delicious this must taste. The ricotta must be custard like as it cooks in the apple. I'd love to try it! Thank you so much for sharing…and thank you so much for your thoughtful words on my blog. It truly delights me to share…
That Girl
I've never been huge on apples and cheese, but something about apples stuffed with ricotta sounds delightful!
Anna and Liz Recipes
This sounds amazing! And, so creative, who would ever thought of stuffing apples with ricotta cheese, right? It must be delicious! Great recipe!
Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen
Very creative and packed with flavor.Sam
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef
I know what you mean about eating too much of food (gotta say that lightly) that isn't all that good for our bodies. These roasted apples would make my feet dance. (and the rest of me too)
Catherine
Dear Velva, These sounds wonderful!!! Blessings dear. Catherine xo
Karen (Back Road Journal)
Velva, this dessert is calling my name. You know I will be making your delicious apples this fall when I start picking apples in our orchard. 🙂
Michelle
You have recipes with the best flavor combinations.
Rambling Tart
That looks divine, Velva. 🙂 I loved roasted apples and this filling sounds amazing. 🙂
Unknown
What a creative recipe!
Bill
Wow! Love the combination of ingredients here. What's not to love with apples, ricotta, hazelnuts, and chocolate. Great recipe, Velva!
Birdman
Ok, this reminds me. It's time for breakfast. Wish I had a handful of these. mmmmmmmm
Unknown
I love a good, baked apple, and the ingredients you used sound so unique and delicious!
T.W. Barritt at Culinary Types
Wow, that is a pretty brilliant variation on the typical baked apple! I love the flavors and ingredients.
Chris
I have to try this as a dessert for pork roast. It sounds divine, Velva!
Erica
This looks amazing,Velva! Wonderful flalvors!
SavoringTime in the Kitchen
That does sound like a delicious combination for baked apples! I haven't made baked apples in so long but love them. They are like a simple apple pie without the guilt.
Al
Ingredients in a perfect combination. Fruit with cheese, nuts, caramelized. Thank you!! I like it!!