Almond-Stuffed Apples

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoon water
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 6 medium cooking apples (such as Rome Beauty, Granny Smith, or Jonathan)
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• 2 tablespoon powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Method:

1. Process the almonds in a food processor until nuts are finely ground.
2. Add sugar, water, and almond extract. Cover and process until mixture is nearly smooth: then set aside.
3. Peel apples. Cut off about 1/2-inch from bottom of each apple so it will stand upright. Use an apple corer to core apples.
4. Brush apples with melted butter. Roll apples in the fine dry bread crumbs to completely cover.
5. Place in a rectangular baking dish. Spoon almond mixture evenly into centers of apples.
6. Bake apples in a 350 F oven for 70 to 80 minutes.
7. In a bowl, combine whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
8. Beat with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
9. Spoon over warm baked apples.