a very vegan christmas: baked christmas apples

Only seventeen sleeps until Christmas! Although I love this time of year, I do not enjoy the craziness at the shops in the lead up to Christmas Day. I think that's why I try to do my Christmas shopping and preparation as early as possible. And that's why I've been playing around with some simple Christmas plant-based recipes for you. Hopefully, you can relax on the day, and sit and eat with your family and friends, enjoying quality time with your loved ones and delicious, seasonal and healthy meals... wherever you are in the world.

A father-daughter secret project in the works. 

What do you think this could be?!

I wanted to share this baked christmas apples recipe with you as it reminds me of the Christmas Day I spent in the English countryside three years ago with my brother-in-law's family. His aunt quickly made this Christmas dessert for my sister and I after we had opened presents, listened to carols, drank tea and eaten a traditional cooked English dinner. And meandered through the lush green paddocks in wellies (i.e. gumboots), as you do! I haven't quite replicated those melt-in-your-mouth baked apples but these are my vegan version; a summery and spicy Christmas dessert for you all.

Biodynamic cherries and boysenberries from Mill Spring Farm (the growers are my distant cousins!) in Ruffy, the countryside of Victoria in Australia

baked christmas apples

These baked apples are beautifully spiced with Christmas flavours. Easy to prepare and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth, no matter the age of your Christmas guests. Eat leftovers cold for breakfast on Boxing Day morning! 

4 medium apples, cored
1/4 cup activated walnuts
1/4 cup gluten-free rolled oats
1/4 cup sultanas (substitute: prunes)
1/4 cup dried shredded coconut
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 cardamom pod, crushed
pure maple syrup, to serve
coconut yoghurt, to serve
dried desiccated coconut & hemp seeds & goji berries, to serve

Wash and core the apples. Process the activated walnuts, rolled oats, sultanas, dried shredded coconut, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon and nutmeg in a food processor or high-powered blender until the mixture sticks together. Stuff the inside of the apples with the mixture but leave a gap between the bottom of the apple and the mixture so that it can expand and not burn in the oven. Place the stuffed apples on an oven tray lined with baking paper and cover with aluminium foil. Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 25 minutes. If you like firmer apples, bake for 20 minutes, or for mushier apples, bake for 30 minutes. Serve with your choice of toppings. Serves 4. 

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