Baked Apples... in the Microwave: My Favorite Fall Treat!

This is decidedly not a food blog, especially given that I just learned how to cook, like... at the start of the pandemic. But this new-to-me recipe, shared with me by my mom, is so easy & results in such a delicious autumnal treat that I couldn't help but share it with you here. I've told a few friends about it, & it's become so popular that I wanted to spread the love!

My mom made these for us when I was hope for a socially distanced brunch last week. Her oven had gone on the fritz the night before, but these don't even require an oven. 

You'll need...

• One apple (I like Galas)
• Cinnamon. Lots of cinnamon.
• ½ tbsp butter
• ~1 tbsp brown sugar 
• Coconut oil to drizzle (about ½ tbsp)
• Whatever toppings you'd like! I like walnuts, pecans, Craisins, & pepitas.

To make them...

1. Peel, core, & halve your apple.
2. Top apple halves with bits of cold butter. I cut it up onto tiny squares disperse the pieces atop the halves so that it melts evenly.
3. Sprinkle apple halves with as much cinnamon as you like, though if you're one of those monsters who doesn't like cinnamon, they'll still be pretty good without it. I, for one, dump it on there.
4. Top apple halves with whatever topping you're using. I use walnut pieces & Orchard Valley Harvest Salad Topper from Costco, which includes glazed pecans, pepitas, & dried cranberries. 
5. Drizzle with a little bit of coconut oil – just enough to wet things a little.
6. Top with brown sugar to taste, about ½ tbsp per apple half. 
7. Put apple halves in a microwaveable bowl, then microwave for five to six minutes. Let cool for about a minute.

Annnnd there you have it, the easiest autumn snack in the world. I honestly feel kind of weird sharing a recipe on the blog because it's not what I do, & because this is just baaaarely a recipe. But aren't we all looking for easy ways to bring a little bit of joy into our lives, even if it's just through snacks?

OK, gotta go eat a baked apple & wear a thick sweater & watch Hocus Pocus, byyyyye.