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Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Honey Baked Apples and Cranberries, and a bit of food philosophy.

Whether you take the pantry challenge or not, Honey Baked Apples and Cranberries will bake up for some really good food to enjoy! Cranberries and apples are a great flavor pair.


Do you participate in the pantry challenge that is popular this time of year?

January is always a frugal month after the holidays, both for food and spending. You can't do a recipe search without finding creative ideas for cooking with what you have, or a "pantry challenge" to take part in. Personally I love both of these ideas and appreciate the calmer days of winter to practice them as well! Honey Baked Apples and Cranberries came from this. Living small is actually a comfortable way to live quietly in a  large way, with little waste and less worries! And I think that is the concept of a pantry challenge or the practice of cooking with what you have, a comfortable way to live, your own life. 

Are there benefits? Oh yes!

There is no running to the store for that one item you don't have. And honestly I do not ask myself or anyone else that will sit at the table, "what do you want to eat?". Why? Because any special requests could very well include ingredients not in my pantry. No matter how well stocked my pantry might be at that moment in time. But I have a simple fix for that, offer suggestions of the dishes everyone enjoys that can be chosen, based upon the ingredients you already have...and everyone is happy, including the cook who now doesn't have to say, sorry, I can't make that for you...


You just never know!

When I threw the ingredients for Honey Baked Apples and Cranberries into the oven, I was not sure if it was going to be delicious. But honestly, simple wholesome ingredients cooked or baked together will always turn out edible, if not delicious. And while it might not become a new family favorite, unless it was burned in the process of cooking/baking, honey, apples, and cranberries have no choice but to come out edible. But I have to tell you, this will be made again and that is the reason I am sharing it today! 

Everything shown and posted here, is on our table...

You see, we do eat every recipe posted on this blog. And yes, the homemade household items are used as well. Plus nothing is posted that I have not cooked or baked multiple times. This is my online journal of food that is good or better than good. Made by me or by the two of us (my daughter and I) depending upon the recipe. And delicious enough that not only did we eat all of the recipe that was shared, but we will make it again. Why? Because when you get your hands on a good recipe or process, you don't let it go! You can and will fall back on it from time to time, especially in those busy times when there is more to do, than time to do it!

Yep, like Honey Baked Apples and Cranberries...


Some additional thoughts on this recipe:

Feel free to peel the apples if desired, we simply do not peel, either way will be fine.

While you might be thinking, who has cranberries in January. These came from my freezer because I keep them year round, in our house they are not just holiday food due to their delicious flavor and nutrition. 

If you desire you may increase the honey, but we found that the amount listed is just right for our tastes. But an increase to 2/3 cup would definitely sweeten the pan. 

Ingredients needed for this recipe:
  • apples
  • honey
  • whole cranberries
  • salt
  • cinnamon
You will also need the following:
  • baking pan, 9X13
  • cutting board
  • kitchen knife
  • paring knife
  • measuring spoons
  • measuring cups
Now we are ready to begin!



Honey Baked Apples and Cranberries.
by the seat of my pants
350-degree oven

6 small to medium sized apples
2 c whole cranberries, frozen is perfect for this recipe
1/2 c honey
salt
1/4 to 1/2 t cinnamon, use what you love

Place the honey and the cranberries in the 9X13 inch baking pan. Sprinkle lightly with salt, then sprinkle with the cinnamon. Place the pan into the oven to warm the honey while the oven preheats. 



While the honey and cranberries are warming in the oven, wash, dry, and cut each apple in half from stem to blossom. Using a small paring knife, carefully cut out the core from each half of the apple, set aside. 



When the honey and cranberries are warm, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Gently stir the honey mixture to mix well. 

Add the apple halves to the pan, spooning some of the honey cranberry mixture into the cavity, bake for 15 minutes. 

Remove the baking pan from the oven, and carefully turn the apples cut side down so they can bake in the juices from the honey and cranberries. 



Bake for 30 to 40 minutes more, or until the apples can be pierced easily with a fork. Remove from the oven and let cool. 

Turn the apples over to serve, topped with a bit of vanilla yogurt or whipped cream to serve. 

Storage options for Honey Baked Apples and Cranberries. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You could freeze Honey Baked Apples and Cranberries, for longer storage, however expect a slight change in texture when thawed. 


UPDATE:  For your convenience, a "copy and paste" version of Honey Baked Apples and Cranberries has been included below. 

You may also enjoy this recipe:



#wholefoodingredients

#norefinedsugar

#scratchmadefoodforyourfamily

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 Printable "copy and paste" version:


Honey Baked Apples and Cranberries.
by the seat of my pants
350-degree oven

6 small to medium sized apples
2 c whole cranberries, frozen is perfect for this recipe
1/2 c honey
salt
1/4 to 1/2 t cinnamon, use what you love

Place the honey and the cranberries in the 9X13 inch baking pan. Sprinkle lightly with salt, then sprinkle with the cinnamon. Place the pan into the oven to warm the honey while the oven preheats. 

While the honey and cranberries are warming in the oven, wash, dry, and cut each apple in half from stem to blossom. Using a small paring knife, carefully cut out the core from each half of the apple, set aside. 

When the honey and cranberries are warm, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Gently stir the honey mixture to mix well. 

Add the apple halves to the pan, spooning some of the honey cranberry mixture into the cavity, bake for 15 minutes. 

Remove the baking pan from the oven, and carefully turn the apples cut side down so they can bake in the juices from the honey and cranberries. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes more, or until the apples can be pierced easily with a fork. Remove from the oven and let cool. 

Turn the apples over to serve, topped with a bit of vanilla yogurt or whipped cream to serve.

Storage options for Honey Baked Apples and Cranberries. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You could freeze Honey Baked Apples and Cranberries, for longer storage, however expect a slight change in texture when thawed. 

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