Maple and Ginger Baked Apples with Spice Whipped Cream

Do you  mind if I brag for a moment about my friends?  I promise it's not to make you feel bad or left out, but to let you know that a good group of friends can make a world of difference.

Since moving to Nashville, Cope and I have made some of the best friends we have ever had.  Not just one or two, but a group of people that we've all become super close with.  They've become our surrogate family in many ways; we share meals, weekends and holidays with them.  I've never had such a close-knit group of friends like this, and after years of fantasizing about having "Friends" of our own, my wish has finally come true ("I'll be there for you...").

These Nashville peeps of ours are a talented group as well.  Annoyingly talented.  And, not just in the musical sense.  We all share a love of the arts, and I suppose that's why we've all connected so well.  Each of them is following their heart in pursuing a dream all their own.  There is a fire amongst our friends that I've never witnessed before.  In large, they've all been an inspriation for me to follow my own dreams and I don't think I could have started this book without them.  Not to mention I have a full-on creative staff complete with a graphic designer, photographer, jewelry designer (more to come) and editor.

And there is no lack of encouragement, either.  I'm convinced it's this support system that keeps us all trying, failing, and getting closer to that dream everyday.

The reason I'm sharing this with you today is because I am feeling especially grateful for my friends.  Grateful to have such wonderful people in my life that are a positive force in every way.  And the only way I really know how to show a little gratitude is to whip up something yummy!

I had my first baked apple several weeks ago, and fell in love.  I've been thinking about them ever since, and trying to figure out a way to add in some of my favorite fall spices and textures.  After coring the apple, I stuffed it with a topping that I've used for the "Crunchy Caramel Apple Pie" but substituted the brown sugar with maple syrup, and added fresh ginger.  And of course, an inside-out apple pie isn't complete without something creamy to dip it in.  It's super easy to make, and a fun treat to serve your guests at a Pumpkin Carving Party, or any other fall festivity for that matter.  And it makes your house smell extra dreamy.

Maple and Ginger Baked Apples with Spice Whipped Cream

ingredients:

4 rome or gala apples
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, plus 2 tablespoons
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup quick rolling oats
4 cinnamon sticks
1 cup whipping cream
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon confectioners' sugar

instructions:

Heat oven to 450 degrees.  Core apple with melon baller.  Peel about 1 inch of skin from tops of apples; cut a sliver off bottom so apples can stand.  Place in 9-inch glass pie plate.

In a bowl, mix together flour, oats and grated ginger.  Pour in 1/2 cup maple syrup and stir.  Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until combined.

Scoop mixture into each apple and round off top.  Insert cinnamon stick into each one.  Place remaining 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons maple syrup in pie plate.

Bake apples for about 35 minutes, basting occasionally with pan juices.  Pierce apple with fork and when tender, remove from oven.  Watch carefully as oven temps vary.

Spice Whipped Cream:

In a chilled metal bowl, whip cold cream just until soft peaks form.  Add confectioners' sugar and 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon and whip until soft peaks return.  Serve alongside baked apples and drizzle with warm pan juices.

What are you thankful for today?