Mashed Maple Syrup Apples

4 Red Delicious apples
1/2 cup maple syrup
3/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1/4 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon sugar

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Use a small, unbuttered baking dish for baking the apples and a 9- by 4-inch loaf pan for the mashed mixture.

Peel the apples and core them, using an apple corer, but leave them whole. Place them close together in the baking dish. Add 1/2 inch of water and bake until very soft, about 1 hour. Remove from the oven and let cool.

Place in a medium bowl. Turn on the broiler to high.

While the broiler is heating, add the maple syrup, walnuts, butter, and cinnamon to the apples. Mash everything together with a large fork. Scrape the mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle the sugar on top. Broil until the top has caramelized to a rich brown, about 3 minutes.

Note: Be sure to use Red Delicious apples. Different apples react differently. Serve over vanilla ice cream or yogurt or by itself for a fruity dessert that children will love.
Yield: 4 servings

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