The Healthy Lifestyle Made Easy

stuffed apples Recipe
Ingredients (4 servings):
- 4 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or butter
- Optional toppings: Greek yogurt, drizzle of honey, extra cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash the apples thoroughly and core them, leaving the bottoms intact. You can use an apple corer or a small knife.
- In a bowl, mix together the rolled oats, chopped nuts, honey or maple syrup, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and melted coconut oil or butter until well combined.
- Stuff each cored apple with the oat mixture, pressing it down gently.
- Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the filling is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Optional: Serve the stuffed apples with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information:
- Apples: Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and various antioxidants. They are low in calories, with about 95 calories per medium-sized apple.
- Rolled Oats: High in fiber and complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy. They also contain minerals like manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium.
- Nuts: Good sources of healthy fats, protein, and various vitamins and minerals. They are calorie-dense, so portion control is important. For example, 1 ounce of almonds contains about 160 calories.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners that add sweetness without refined sugars. They contain small amounts of vitamins and minerals, but they are high in calories and should be used in moderation.
- Coconut Oil or Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the stuffing. Both contain saturated fats, so it’s best to use them sparingly.
Fun Facts:
- Apples are part of the rose family, along with pears and quinces.
- The fiber found in oats is known as beta-glucan, which has been linked to various health benefits, including improved heart health and digestion.