Grilled (or Baked) Blooming Apples

I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! These blooming apples are so good, I just want to shout it from the mountain tops! You have to try these. It’s kind of like eating apple pie, but without all the work (and without the crust). Add a little vanilla ice cream, and you have the perfect combination!

It’s apple season, and the weather here has been beautiful. I think there’s still some more beautiful fall days left for grilling out. But if grilling is not your thing or the weather isn’t cooperating, the good news is you can also bake these. I’ve made them both ways!

You can use whatever apples you like or have on hand. I’ve used both Red and Golden Delicious – both were, in fact, delicious! You can also easily make as many or as few of these as you want! For that reason, the recipe will not be super exact, but I think you guys can handle it.

The first thing you will do is cut just the top off the apple. Then you remove the core with a melon baller or other small scoop (I used a measuring spoon). Next, use your paring knife to make two concentric circles in the flesh of the apple.

Turn your apple upside down and make slits about a half of an inch apart all the way around the apple.

Then you turn it right side up and make the magic happen.

You sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top and you’reready to grill or bake! What are you waiting for? Get cooking!

Grilled (or Baked) Blooming Apples

Ingredients:

• 4 apples
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• pinch of salt
• chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Directions:

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

Wash and dry the apples. Lay them on their sides and cut just the very top rounded part off.

Using a melon baller or other small rounded scoop (I used a small measuring spoon), scoop the core out. Be sure to go all of the way to the bottom, but not through bottom of the apple.

Next, you need to make two concentric rings in the apple flesh. To do this, hold your paring knife in a vertical position about 1/4 of an inch from the outside of the apple.  Push your knife down into the apple. Lift it back up, place it down right next to your first cut, and repeat until you have gone around in a circle. Repeat that process to make a smaller ring inside that one.

Turn the apple upside down. Now you will be making vertical slits in the side of the apple through the rings you just made. Insert your paring knife about 1/2 of an inch from the bottom of the apple (which is now at the top because you have turned it over). Make a slit all the way through the apple. Repeat all of the way around, making slits about every 1/2 inch.

Turn the apple right side up and very gently press to slightly loosen. Scoop a fourth of the brown sugar mixture on top of the apple and use a spoon to gently push it down into the slits.

If you are grilling the apples:

Set apple in the middle of a piece of aluminum foil. Pull the corners and sides up and pinch together at the top to make a loose pouch with the apple standing upright inside.

Put on a cool spot on the grill with the lid on for about 15 minutes, or until apples are tender. (Cooking time will depend on the size of your apples.)

If you are baking the apples:

Put apples in a baking pan and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until apples are tender.(Cooking time will depend on the size of your apples.) You can put a lid on to create some steam and help soften up the apples. Or you can leave the lid off and they will retain their shape more. Either way, they taste delicious!

Top with nuts if desired. I highly recommend serving these warm with vanilla (or salted caramel!!!) ice cream!

Enjoy!