A Guilt-Free Treat

Here in the DC metro area we are being blasted by snow. So besides going out and shoveling every few hours, it's definitely a day to stay warm and toasty inside. I love to bake on these cold, wintry days; however, with the prospect of being stuck inside for most of the weekend, staring at a plate of homemade goodies is like playing a game of temptation island - trying to keep your portions modest while resisting the urge to do a face plant on the cookie tray. Instead of engaging in feats of willpower, here's a recipe for a sweet treat minus the guilt. I found this recipe for baked apples from Self magazine. I love baked apples because you get the apple pie taste without the added calories. Stay warm and enjoy!

Cinnamon Baked Apples

1 small baking apple (Braeburn, Empire, Honeycrisp, Jonathan or Rome)

2 tsp dried fruit (raisins, chopped apricots, cranberries,etc.)

1 tsp chopped walnuts

1 tsp brown sugar

1/8 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp unsalted butter or canola oil

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wash and dry an apple. Using an apple corer or small paring knife, remove half of the apple core. (Don't cut a hole all the way through the apple, or the contents you stuff it with will fall out.) Place 2 tsp dried fruit, 1 tsp chopped walnuts, 1 tsp brown sugar, and a sprinkle of cinnamon into the hole in the apple. Place 1/2 tsp unsalted butter or canola oil on top of the stuffing and bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes, until apple is tender.

Serve warm, topped with 1/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt or light vanilla ice cream.

Per serving (1 apple): 183 calories, 3 g protein, 33g carbohydrate, fiber 3g, fat 6g (2g saturated), calcium 69mg (6.9% DV), 29mg sodium, 23mg cholesterol.