Stuffed Apples with Cherries and Sweet Almonds is a perfect choice for a light dinner or a delicious and healthy snack. This recipe combines the flavors of fresh fruits with wonderful spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, making it a nutritious option that promotes body health. Apples are rich in vitamins A and C, which strengthen immunity and improve skin health, while cherries provide antioxidants that fight inflammation and improve heart health. Almonds are packed with healthy fats and fiber, which help reduce cholesterol and improve digestion. Wheat also provides energy thanks to its complex carbohydrates. This recipe combines rich flavors and health benefits to be an excellent option for boosting body health. What makes this recipe stand out is that it is completely plant-based, containing no animal ingredients, making it suitable for those following a vegan diet. Additionally, it is easy to prepare and suitable for all ages, making it a great addition to your table, whether you're serving it at special occasions or as a daily treat.
Ingredients:
- Half a cup of chopped cherries (or use dried cherries)
- 3 teaspoons of chopped almonds
- 1 teaspoon of wheat grains
- 1 teaspoon of brown sugar
- Half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- Quarter teaspoon of nutmeg
- 6 small apples
- Half a cup of apple juice
- Quarter cup of water
- 2 teaspoons of coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon of honey (optional)
Preparation Method:
- Preheat the oven to 275°C (527°F).
- In a small bowl, mix the cherries with almonds, wheat grains, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir the ingredients well until they are combined, then set aside.
- Remove the top of each apple and create a hollow inside (you can leave the apple skin on if desired).
- Stuff the apples evenly with the cherry mixture.
- Place the apples on a baking tray.
- Pour apple juice and water over the apples.
- Add coconut oil and honey over the apples.
- Cover the tray with aluminum foil.
- Bake the apples in the oven for 30 to 50 minutes until they are tender.
- Place the stuffed apples on serving plates, and you can serve them with the remaining sauce from the tray or garnish with whole fruits like cranberries.
- Serve the apples hot or at room temperature after they cool slightly.
Optional Additions:
- You can add raisins or dates to the stuffing mixture.
- You can sprinkle a little dried coconut or oats on the apples before baking.
- You can serve the apples with a scoop of ice cream or cream to enhance the flavor.
Note:
This recipe is suitable for people following a vegan diet who are looking for a healthy and natural sweet treat. However, it is not suitable for people who are allergic to nuts, cherries, or any of the other ingredients.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients:
- Apples: A rich source of Vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and helps regenerate skin cells. They also contain fiber, which aids digestion and regulates blood sugar levels.
- Cherries: Contain antioxidants like anthocyanins that help reduce inflammation and protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. They also promote heart health and improve sleep quality.
- Almonds: Rich in healthy unsaturated fats, like omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower bad cholesterol levels. They also contain protein and fiber that support digestion and promote satiety.
- Wheat Grains: Contain dietary fiber that helps improve digestion. They also provide energy due to their complex carbohydrate content, keeping energy levels steady throughout the day.
- Brown Sugar: Provides quick energy and contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron that support bone and muscle health.
- Cinnamon: Known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, it helps improve blood sugar levels and promotes circulation.
- Nutmeg: Contains anti-inflammatory compounds that improve digestion. It also helps improve sleep and reduces stress.
- Apple Juice: Contains essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C and potassium, which help maintain heart health and regulate blood pressure.
- Coconut Oil: Contains healthy fatty acids that help improve skin and hair health, as well as strengthen the immune system.
- Honey (Optional): A natural source of energy, containing antioxidants and antibacterial properties that boost immune health.
These ingredients combine a range of health benefits that support overall body health, from enhancing immunity and digestion to improving heart and skin health.
Nutritional Values and Calories:
½ cup of chopped cherries (or use dried cherries) Calories:
- 50 (fresh cherries)
- 240 (dried cherries)
Carbohydrates:
- 12g (fresh)
- 63g (dried)
Fiber:
- 2g (fresh)
- 8g (dried)
Sugar:
- 10g (fresh)
- 45g (dried)
Protein:
- 1g (fresh)
- 2g (dried)
3 teaspoons of chopped almonds
Calories: 50
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 4.5g
1 teaspoon of wheat grains
Calories: 10
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 0.5g
1 teaspoon of brown sugar
Calories: 17
Carbohydrates: 4.5g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 4.5g
Protein: 0g
½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
Calories: 3
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 0g
¼ teaspoon of nutmeg
Calories: 3
Carbohydrates: 0.5g
Fiber: 0.2g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 0.1g
6 small apples
Calories: 360 (about 60 calories per apple)
Carbohydrates: 95g
Fiber: 18g
Sugar: 75g
Protein: 1.5g
½ cup of apple juice
Calories: 60
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 14g
Protein: 0g
¼ cup of water
Calories: 0
Carbohydrates: 0g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 0g
2 teaspoons of coconut oil
Calories: 80
Carbohydrates: 0g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 9g
1 teaspoon of honey (optional)
Calories: 21
Carbohydrates: 5.7g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 5.7g
Protein: 0g
Total Nutritional Values and Calories (approximate):
Calories: about 654 (with fresh cherries) / 844 (with dried cherries)
Carbohydrates: about 137g
Fiber: about 22g
Sugar: about 109g
Protein: about 6g
Fat: about 13.5g