Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Raisins

This is what I make when I want something warm and sweet that feels like pudding but is basically just fruit. The apples go soft and jammy. The raisins plump up. The cinnamon makes it smell like autumn. A dollop of Greek yoghurt melts into the cracks. It's proper comfort food that happens to be good for you.

Ingredients (Serves 2):

• 2 large eating apples (Braeburn or Gala work well)
• 1 tbsp raisins or sultanas
• 1 tbsp chopped walnuts (optional)
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• Greek yoghurt or coconut yoghurt to serve

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
2. Core the apples, leaving the bottom intact so the filling doesn't fall out. Use a spoon to widen the cavity slightly.
3. Mix the raisins, walnuts (if using), cinnamon, and maple syrup in a small bowl. Stuff this mixture into the apple cavities.
4. Place the apples in a small baking dish. Add a splash of water to the bottom of the dish.
5. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the apples are soft and collapsing slightly.
6. Serve warm with a generous dollop of yoghurt.

Why it's gut-friendly: Apples are rich in pectin, a soluble fibre that feeds good gut bacteria. Baking them makes them even easier to digest. Cinnamon helps stabilise blood sugar.