Baking during the holiday season fills the home with warmth and the sweet aroma of freshly baked treats. Russian Christmas traditions include delightful and festive desserts that bring joy to the table. Today, we are going to explore a classic Russian Christmas baking recipe – Farshirovannye Yabloki, which translates to Stuffed Apples. This charming dessert is perfect for the holiday season with its combination of tender baked apples, fragrant spices, and a luscious nut filling. Let’s get started with creating this delightful treat that will surely become a favorite at your Christmas gatherings.
**Farshirovannye Yabloki (Stuffed Apples)**
**Ingredients:**
– 6 large apples (choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
– 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
– 1/4 cup raisins
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1/4 cup water
– Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. **Prepare the Apples:** Wash the apples thoroughly and cut off the tops, about 1/4 of the way down. Keep the tops to use as lids later. Using a melon baller or a small spoon, carefully scoop out the core and seeds from each apple, creating a hollow cavity for the filling. Be sure not to puncture the bottom of the apple.
3. **Make the Filling:** In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped nuts, raisins, honey, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon zest, and orange zest. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
4. **Stuff the Apples:** Fill each hollowed-out apple with the nut and fruit mixture, packing it gently but firmly. Place the apple tops back on each apple, creating a lid.
5. **Bake the Apples:** Arrange the stuffed apples in a baking dish with high sides. Pour the water into the bottom of the dish to create steam while baking. This will help keep the apples moist. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
6. **Bake and Serve:** Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the apples for about 45-50 minutes or until they are tender but still hold their shape. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the tops to brown slightly.
7. **Final Touches:** Once the apples are baked and fragrant, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Dust the tops with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a festive touch, if desired.
**Enjoy your Farshirovannye Yabloki (Stuffed Apples) warm as a delightful dessert or serve them alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat this holiday season. Share these delightful Russian-inspired treats with your loved ones and create cherished memories around the table. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!**
