Baked Apples Normandy with Agave Carmel Sauce
My inspiration for this recipe is the creaminess of Philadelphia Cream Cheese,the sweet crisp taste of apples, and the delightful flavor of French apple brandy coming together to evoke the flavors of Normandy. Prep time: 20 minutes |Cook time: 30 minutes |Total time: 50 minutes |Servings: 6•6 medium sized Gala apples 2 1/2"-3" in diameter, washed and dried (you can also use Granny Smith, Braeburn or your favorite baking apple)
•1/4 cup(s) of coarsely chopped pecans plus 2 tbsp for garnish
•1/3 cup(s) of golden raisins
•1/3 cup(s) of Philadelphia Cream Cheese Original, softened at room temperature
•1 tbsp. of unsalted butter, softened
•1/8 tsp. of ground ginger
•1/8 tsp. of cinnamon
•1 tbsp. of French apple brandy or apple liqueur or any light fruity liqueur (optional)
•1 tsp. of vanilla extract
•1/2 cup(s) of heavy cream (for caramel) + 2 tbsp (for filling mixture)
•1/2 cup(s) of agave (for caramel) + 2 tbsp (for filling mixture)
•1 smidgen of good sea salt
•12 large mint leaves (for garnish)
Steps
1.You will need an extra large silicon or non-stick muffin pan and a 2qt heavy deep non-stick or enameled pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2.Partially core the apples by making a 1 1/2" circle at the top and continue down to just below half the apple, removing seeds and taking care not to pierce the bottom
3.In a mixing bowl, stir together pecans, raisins, 2 tbsp agave, Philadelphia Cream Cheese, 2 tbsp heavy cream, butter, ginger, cinnamon, French apple brandy and vanilla with a wooden spoon until well blended
4.With your wooden spoon, divide the mixture by eye into 6 portions within the bowl
5.Fill apples with the mixture so that the mixture is level with the top of the apple
6.Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes
7.While the apples are baking, make your caramel sauce by putting the 1/2 cup heavy cream,1/2 cup agave and smidgen of sea salt in the 2qt pan, and mixing with a wooden spoon until well blended
8.Set this mixture on the stove on medium heat, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch carefully for the color to turn a medium golden caramel
9.Set cooked apples on a serving plate
10.Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples
11.Garnish with chopped pecans and mint leaves