Opal Apples Recipe

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Place almonds onto a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until they become fragrant. Do not walk away because nuts will quickly burn.

Chop the toasted almonds into small pieces and place them in a small bowl.

Wash the apples well.

Take a sharp knife and cut the stem out of the apple.

Use a melon baller to scoop out the cavity of the apple. Remove a 1½-inch core out of the apple. Do not cut through the apple completely.

Level the apple by checking to see if it will sit upright on its own. If it does not, trim enough off the bottom of the apple so it will sit upright.

Prepare the filling by tossing together the chopped almonds, ground cinnamon, honey, salt, and vanilla extract.

Add 2 tablespoons of melted butter to the filling.

Place the filling into the apples.

Place about 1 teaspoon pat of butter on the top of each apple.

Place boiling water and 2 tablespoons of butter into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.

Place apples into the baking dish.

Bake apples at 375 degrees F for about 35 to 45 minutes.

Baste apples about every 10 minutes while cooking.

Apples will be done when they are firm and give slightly when pressed.

When serving, spoon about a tablespoon of basting liquid over the apples.

Drizzle honey on top if desired.