One of the best things about this time of the year is the time spent with family around the dessert table! Whether you are watching what you eat or want a new dish to pass, Emmaline Rasmussen, MS, RD, LDN, Clinical Research Dietitian at NorthShore, offers a delicious twist on a favorite. Full of antioxidants and flavor, this is sure to be a hit with the family!

Baked Apple Crisp (Makes 6 servings)

Ingredients:

• 6 medium apples
• ¼ cup rolled oats
• ¼ cup pecan pieces (or other chopped nuts of your choice)
• 3 tbsp currants or chopped raisins
• 2 tbsp flaxseeds
• 2 tbsp maple syrup or sweetener of choice
• 2 tsp butter (or coconut oil for a vegan version), melted
• 1 ½ tsp apple pie spice
• 1 tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp maple flavoring (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375⁰ F.
2. Core the apples but leave the bottoms of the apples intact in order to hold the filling.
3. In a medium bowl, add the maple syrup and maple flavoring to the melted butter and stir.
4. Stir in all remaining the ingredients.
5. Stuff the apples with the mixture.
6. Arrange the apples in an oven-safe baking dish and pour enough to just cover the bottom of the dish with water, approximately ¾ cup.
7. Bake the apples for 40-50 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the filling lightly browns.
8. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 186
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrate: 35g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 2g