Hasselback Baked Apples

Baked Apples:

Ingredients:

2 medium-large firm apples, halved, and cored (peeling optional)

1/2 cup melted vegan butter

1 cup quick-cooking oats

1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Peanut Butter Maple Sour Cream (recipe follows)

Optional Garnish: star anise, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, halved cinnamon sticks, chopped or whole pecans or walnuts

Directions:

With cut side of apples facing down, cut 1/4-inch slices almost, but not quite, to center where core was removed. Place in a microwave-safe dish and microwave at high power for 3 minutes or until tender. Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix together vegan butter, oats, brown and cinnamon.

When apples are still warm but cool enough to handle, use your fingers to divide mixture evenly between all 4 apple halves, stuffing some of the mixture between the slices and leaving some on the surface.

Microwave for another two minutes or until very tender, but still holding their shape. Top each apple half with 2 tablespoons Peanut Butter Maple Sour Cream, garnish as desired, and serve.

Peanut Butter Maple Sour Cream:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Tofutti Better Than Sour Cream

1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon maple syrup

1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon peanut butter

Directions:

In small bowl, whisk together all ingredients until completely combined.

*Created exclusively for Tofutti Brands, Inc. by Betsy DiJulio of The Blooming Platter.