Baked Apples, Two Ways

Recipe for Olga's Original Baked Apples, Two Ways (Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Grain Free, Refined Sugar Free, Paleo Friendly)Baked Apples Stuffed with Breakfast SausageIngredients:1. 6 large cooking apples, such as Gala or Braeburn (8 to 10 oz. each)2. 3 tablespoons grass-fed salted butter, divided3. 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped4. 2 small garlic cloves, minced5. 1 pound ground pork6.  1 tablespoon honey7. 1 tablespoon minced fresh sage8. 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme9.  1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary10. 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg11. 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional12. Kosher sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste13. 1 cup unsweetened apple ciderDirections:1. Preheat oven to 375° F.2. Cut off the top third of each apple, reserving the tops and leaving the stem intact if there is one. Cut a thin slice from the bottom to allow the apples to stand flat. Using a melon baller or measuring spoon, core the apples. Continue scooping out some of the apple flesh, leaving about 1/4-inch wall all around the inside of the apple. Chop up the scooped-out flesh and reserve.3. Prepare the filling. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the ground pork and cook, stirring to break up the lumps, until it is no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Sir in the honey, herbs, nutmeg and cayenne pepper, if using; season with salt and pepper to taste.  Add the reserved apple flesh and toss to combine; remove from heat.4. Generously fill the apples with the sausage mixture, dot each apple with a small knob of the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and replace the tops.5. Place the apples in a 2-qt. baking dish, pour in the apple cider and bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes or until the apples are tender and the stuffing is golden brown.6. Serve warm in shallow dishes drizzled with cooking liquid.Makes 6-8 apples (depending on the apple size)Baked Apples Stuffed with Grain-Free GranolaIngredients:1. 4 large cooking apples, such as Gala or Braeburn2.  A heaping 1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts3. A heaping 1/3 cup coarsely chopped dried figs4. 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds5. 2 tablespoons chia seeds6. 1 tablespoon flax meal7. 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom8. 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg9. A pinch of fine Himalayan salt10. A pinch of vanilla bean powder11. 4-5 tablespoons honey, to taste12. 2 tablespoons grass-fed butter, cut into small pieces13. 3/4 cup unsweetened apple ciderDirections:1. Preheat oven to 375° F.1. Combine the first 11 ingredients in a small bowl and mix well to combine; set aside.2. Cut off the top third of each apple, reserving the tops and leaving the stem intact if there is one. Cut a thin slice from the bottom to allow the apples to stand flat. Using a melon baller or measuring spoon, core the apples. Continue scooping out some of the apple flesh, leaving about 1/4-inch wall all around the inside of the apple.3. Generously fill the apples with the granola mixture, dot each apple with a few pieces of butter and replace the tops.4. Place the apples in a 1-qt. baking dish, pour in the apple cider, cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and return to the oven for another 15-20 minutes until the apples are tender and easily pierced with a fork.5. Serve warm in shallow dishes drizzled with cooking liquid.Makes 4-5 apples (depending on the apple size)