Baked Apples With Granola

Prep Time:10 Mins | Total Time:15 Mins | Makes:4

Good-for-you apples and oat-filled granola bars create a homey dessert. Thanks to the microwave, they'll be ready in 15 minutes flat.

2 large crisp apples (Braeburn, Gala or Fuji)

2 tbsp (25 mL) raisins or dried cranberries

2 tbsp (25 mL) packed brown sugar

4 tsp (20 mL) butter or margarine, softened

4 Nature Valley* Crunchy Granola Bars, (2 pouches from 210 g pkg), any flavour, crushed

Milk, cream or fruit flavouredf yogurt, if desired

Cut apples in half lengthwise. Using spoon, remove and discard cores, making at least a 1-inch (2.5 cm) indentation in each apple half. In microwavable pie plate, arrange apple halves, cut sides up. If needed, cut thin slice off bottoms to keep halves from tipping.
Fill each apple half evenly with raisins and brown sugar; dot with butter. Cover with microwavable plastic wrap, folding back one edge 1/4- inch (6 mm) to vent steam.
Microwave on High 5 to 6 minutes or until apples are tender. Top each with granola. Serve with milk, cream or yogurt if desired.

Tip: Traditional baking apples such as Granny Smith or Rome Beauty can also be used for a less-sweet taste. Easily crush the granola bars right in the pouch with your fingers or rolling pin.

1 Serving: Calories 230; ( Calories from Fat 60 ); Total Fat 7g ( Saturated Fat 2 1/2g , Trans Fat 0g ) ; Cholesterol 10mg; Sodium 110mg; Total Carbohydrate 39g ( Dietary Fiber 4g , Sugars 27g ); Protein 2g Percent Daily Value* : Vitamin A 4%; Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 2%; Iron 4%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.