*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                    BAKED APPLES AND CHESTNUT PUREE

Recipe By     :
Serving Size  : 6    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Desserts                         Low-Fat
               Vegetarian

 Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  1       lb           Fresh chestnuts OR
  1 1/2   c            Canned or bottled chestnuts
                       --OR
  4       oz           Dried chestnuts, cooked
    1/3   c            Soy milk
    1/3   c            Apple juice
  5       tb           Maple syrup
  1       t            Cinnamon
    1/4   ts           Nutmeg
    1/3   c            Raisins or currants
  6       ea           Sweet apples
                       Few tb lemon juice
                       Additional cinnamon
    3/4   c            White wine
  3       tb           Margarine
  1       ea           Cinnamon stick
                       Mint leaves & thin orange
                       -- slices for garnish

 Preheat oven to 350F.  To prepare fresh chestnuts, cook covered, in
 water, for 20 minutes till expanded & lighter in colour.  To prepare
 canned chestnuts, cook in their liquid till heated through.  To
 prepare dried chestnuts, cook according to package directions.
 Drain & rinse hot chestnuts under cold water.  Cut off flat part with
 a sharp knife & scoop nut meat with a spoon.  In a food processor,
 combine chestnut meat with soy milk, juice, 4 tb maple syrup, 1 ts
 cinnamon & nutmeg.  Fold in raisins or currants.
 Peel apples & remove core from top, leaving the bottom intact.
 Hollow out the apple leaving a 1/2" shell.  Brush shell with lemon
 juice to prevent discoloration.  Sprinkle inside with a little
 cinnamon.  Chop scooped out apple & mix with the chestnut puree.
 Fill apple shells with chestnut-apple stuffing.  Place in a grease
 proof dish & pour wine & remaining syrup around the base of the
 apples.  Add margarine & cinnamon stick to the pan.
 Bake 30 to 40 minutes, basting occasionally with the wine mixture.
 Garnish & serve.



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