Another fairly healthy fall treat: Spiced Baked Apples spiced with cinnamon, sweetened with brown sugar and filled with walnuts and chocolate chips.

I really wanted to put this post up yesterday (or this morning for most American time zones), but for the first time in 12 months of traveling around SE Asia, the internet connection was soo bad that it prevented me from blogging last night. I had everything ready to go, but then WordPress (among many other sites) just wouldn't load anymore. So here is my belated Monday post (on Tuesday for me):

It is hard to believe that October is already coming to an end and there are still no leaves falling or turning their colors in tropical Southeast Asia.

Getting Into the Fall Mood the Baked Apples Way

If it depended on changes in nature to get me into fall mood, I would unfortunately be waiting in vain. But luckily, all it takes for me is some good ol' fall baking and the scent of cinnamon in the air. This super-simple pumpkin cake or these scrumptious caramel apple cupcakes certainly did the trick for me.

However, I don't even have to depend on my own baking for this. Just last week, my husband and I were happily surprised to find pumpkin loaf on the dessert menu of an Italian restaurant in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Although it was tropically modified by being served with fresh mango, still my taste buds were rejoicing in colorful autumn tunes.

But how about a baked fall treat that doesn't even require flour? I am speaking of baked apples. They are so easily prepared and spiced with cinnamon and brown sugar they are guaranteed to spread happy fall aromas and tastes. Especially for us who do not have the chance to enjoy autumn-like conditions. Cinnamony sweet treats like these are fun, delicious, and nostalgic.

How the Apples Turned Out

I have to admit though, that baked apples had to grow on me. They used to be a Christmas tradition in my childhood, but I never liked them then. Same goes for the apple chips my mom made for us as healthy snacks. I would rather have no snack.

Now I love apple chips and also baked apples. However, it has to be a tart variety for me to create a perfect contrast to the sweet filling. The apple softens significantly during the baking process, but crunchy walnuts set the perfect texture contrast. With these textures in balance, it is a smooth sail to tasty.

A tip I learned from a recipe comment, is to cut a ring into the peel around the apple to let it breath during baking. Otherwise the peel might burst at any spot of the apple, which usually doesn't look as appealing as one guided ring once around.

I only made one baked apple for myself, since my husband is not a big fan and I prefer eating them fresh and hot from the oven (one at a time). But I adjusted the recipe for 4 baked apples. So we're good. Enjoy your apples and let me know how they went!

Recipes adapted from All Recipes.