There are certain appetizers that people tend to get at restaurants and then may visit the restaurant, just because they serve those appetizers. An example is a boomin’ onion, and it is not only the fact that it is deep-fried and battered, it’s the fact that it is a lot of fun to eat as well. Of course, baked apples are also a treat for any meal and that is what makes this dessert a rather interesting twist.
The recipe is for a bloomin’ baked apple and once you serve it to your dinner guests, you will find that it disappears rather quickly. You will be able to tell by the smiles that it was a delicious treat and that people would even want seconds, if you have them available.
Ingredients:
2 crisp apples
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 caramels
Optional toppings: vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, and cinnamon
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
To get the blooming apple look, you need to cut the apples. Slice off the top ¼ to ⅓ of the apples. Scoop out the core with a melon baller or stainless steel measuring spoon.
Use a thin paring knife to make two, deep circular cuts around the center of the apple. Next, turn the apple over and make narrow cuts all the way around the apple. Flip it back over and you can see all of the cuts.
Place the apples in an oven safe dish.
Heat butter and brown sugar in the microwave for 30 second, stir and continue heating for an additional 30 seconds. Remove from the microwave and stir in flour and cinnamon. Divide the mixture over the top of the two sliced apples.
Using a fork, create a space in the middle and put a caramel into the center of each apple.
Bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes. Check apples after 25 minutes and continue cooking until tender. Some apples can take 45 min to 1 hour to soften.
Remove from the oven and use a large spoon to move the apples into bowls. Top with a scoop of ice cream, drizzle with caramel and sprinkle with cinnamon. The ice cream will cause the caramel in the center to harden, so eat quickly or put the ice cream scoop on the side.