extreme flavors

These nutmeg-spiced baked apples are the perfect ending to any meal.

Yield: 6 servings

6 medium baking apples (about 2 pounds),
    such as Rome Beauty or York Imperial
1/3 cup mixed dried fruit bits or raisins
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 tablespoon water
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Core apples; peel a strip from the top of each. If necessary cut thin slice from bottom of each apple so apple will stand upright. Place apples upright in greased 11 x 7-inch baking dish. Fill centers with fruit bits or raisins.

In medium-size bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, water and nutmeg; pour over and around apples.

Set dish in a 13 x 9-inch pan. Set on oven rack. Carefully pour boiling water into pan to 1-inch depth. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until apples are tender, occasionally spooning sweetened condensed milk mixture in bottom of dish over apples.

Serve warm.