Maple Walnut Baked Apples

Step 1: Place raisins in a bowl; cover with hot water and allow to stand until soft.

Step 2: Preheat oven to 375F.

Step 3: Core each apple, leaving about 1/2 inch of flesh at the base of the hole you create, taking care not to poke through the bottom of the apple.

Step 4: Slice through skin only of the apple half way down all around the apple; this keeps it intact while cooking.

Step 5: Drain the raisins, then put them in a small bowl with the walnuts, stir to combine.

Step 6: Set the apples in a shallow baking pan and pack each core loosely with the walnut mixture; then pour in maple syrup to fill.

Step 7: Sprinkle a wee bit of lemon juice over each apple, then drizzle a bit more maple syrup on the exposed flesh.

Step 8: Place a thin slice of unsalted butter on the packed core of each apple.

Step 9: Pour the apple juice or water into the pan so it covers the bottom to a shallow depth.

Step 10: Bake on the middle rack of the oven until apples are cooked through (test with a toothpick); this should take 35-40 minutes.

Step 11: If it is browning too quickly, cover with a piece of foil.