Baked Apples with Figs and Marmalade / Mele al Forno con I Fici e Marmellata

Name: Baked Apples with Figs and Marmalade / Mele al Forno con I Fici e Marmellata
Ingredients: 4 large Cortland apples, center core removed; 4 dried figs, stem removed, chopped; 1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts; 2 teaspoons orange marmalade; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces; 1/2 cup orange juice; 4 tablespoons Mascarpone cheese, softened; INGREDIENTS

Baked apples seems like an all-time American dessert but I introduced the idea to dear friends in Italy who were amazed at how good and elegant baking an apple can be. The best apple to use for this is Cortland and utilizing the microwave will produce a warm dessert in about 8 minutes. Saving time: make the apples first before preparing the rest of the meal. They will be just the right temperature when you are ready to serve them

Serves 4

Ingredients

4 large Cortland apples, center core removed
4 dried figs, stem removed, chopped
1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
2 teaspoons orange marmalade
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces
1/2 cup orange juice
4 tablespoons Mascarpone cheese, softened
INGREDIENTS

Directions

Place the apples in each of four individual microwave proof bowls.
In a small bowl mix together the figs, walnuts, and orange marmalade. Use a small spoon to fill the cored cavity of each apple with some of the mixture. Place one piece on butter on top of each apple. Carefully pour 2 tablespoons of the orange juice in the base of each bowl.
Bake the apples in a microwave on high power for 5 to 8 minutes. The apples should hold their shape but be soft.
Allow the apples to cool for 5 minutes then serve with a dollop of Mascarpone cheese over the top.