This post is in paid partnership with Foodland Ontario, however, as always, all opinions are my own.
One of my favourite desserts is baklava, but because of its richness, I only indulge occasionally. This lightened up healthier version of “baklava” allows me to enjoy the flavours more often! These Baklava filled baked apples were a win with my 2 year old and 4 year old girls, which is saying a lot. My 4 year old isn’t very adventurous with her textures but she enjoyed the baked apple as well as the nut mixture! I cut the baked apple in slices for my girls once it was room temperature, and they were able to easily eat it with their hands.
I found these baked apples quite satisfying on their own but you can also serve this Baked Apples with Whipping Cream or a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream for a full dessert when you have guests over! I made these Baklava filled Apples TWICE with two different types of apples. The first time I made them with local Ontario grown Ambrosia apples and then I made them with Red Prince Apples. Both of these varieties worked wonderfully for this recipe as they had a slight sweetness to them.
When selecting apples at the grocery store, I look for the Foodland Ontario sign because I want to support local farmers. Not only does local produce taste delicious, it is also an opportunity to help create jobs and support economic growth in Ontario. Remember, you are making an impact with your money, and every time you buy local, you make a positive impact to those around you. By choosing local more often, you are also being green and helping the environment. Buying local means your food comes from closer to home which means it had less distance to travel. The closer your food is grown to you, the fresher it arrives to you!
Here are four simple ways you can start buying local: • Look for the Foodland Ontario logo when shopping at your grocery store, farmers' market, and on-farm market • Visit local farms with your family and talk to them about the difference they make when you buy local • Serve freshness every day, with delicious recipes featuring local Ingredients (Use this guide to see what is in season and available:https://www.ontario.ca/foodland/page/availability-guide) • Ask for local at restaurants and everywhere you buy food
Not only did I use local Ontario grown apples in this recipe, but also local Ontario honey for a hint of sweetness and one more way to infuse some local flavour into this recipe! Learn more about Ontario honey here.
Baklava Filled Baked Apples Makes: 6 apples Ingredients:
6-8 Ontario apples1 Tbsp butter1 cup phyllo, cut into strips ½ cup almonds, chopped½ cups pistachios, chopped½ cup walnuts, chopped2 Tbsp honey ¾ tsp ground cinnamon½ tsp ground cardamom 1 cup of water
Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350oF. 2. In a medium fry pan, melt butter on medium heat. Add phyllo sheets cut into strips and cook for 2- 4 minutes until lightly brown and crispy. Add chopped nuts, honey, ground cinnamon, and cardamom. Cook for an additional 2-4 minutes until fragrant. Be sure to stir often to prevent burning. 3. Core apples and scoop out flesh from the middle of the apple, leaving about ¾ inch thickness around the apple. Be careful not to carve out the bottom of the apple. 4. Scoop nut mixture into each apple and place into a round baking dish. Pour 1 cup of water into the baking pan. 5. Place pan into the oven and bake for 30 minutes. The apples will be tender. Let cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
For more information about Ontario Apples, different varieties, recipes, and how best to prepare/store them, check out the Foodland Ontario site.
