Vanilla Cinnamon Apples

4 baking apples
3 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoons allspice
1 tablespoon brandy
1/4 cup raisins
1/2 cup walnuts
Pinch of salt

Preheat the oven o 350 degrees. Lightly coat the bottom of a shallow baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Cut a thin slice from the bottom of each apple so it will stand upright. Scoop out the core of each apple from the top down with the small end of a melon ball cutter, making sure not to core all the way through the apple.

Combine the butter, brown sugar and vanilla paste in a medium saucepan and cook over low heat until the butter is melted, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat and stir in the cinnamon, allspice, brandy, raisins, walnuts and salt. Fill the apples with equal amounts of the filling using a teaspoon. Place the apples in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes or until caramelized and fork tender.

Serves 4

Combine Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste with honey for a tasty, sweet spread or toss with strawberries and serve with whipped cream.