Baked apples

Serves 4

4 cox apples (or golden delicious if you prefer as they hold their shape a lot better

2tbsp Cognac or brandy
1tbsp currants
1tbsp sultanas
1tbsp raisins
Zest of one orange
Zest of one lemon
Juice of half an orange
2tbsp of soft brown sugar
2tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Lots of thick Jersey cream or ice cream
Blackberries to taste

Pre-heat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. Using a sharp knife remove a small slice from the base of the apples so that they will sit in the baking tray without rolling over. Hollow out the centre of the apples, but make sure you don't go right through to the base. Gently warm the brandy. Place the currants, sultanas, raisins, orange and lemon zest and juice into a bowl and pour over the warm alcohol. Stir and leave for a few minutes to allow the warm alcohol to plump and soften the fruit. Next, spoon over the sugar and pour over the melted butter. Stir to combine well, then spoon the spiced fruit mixture into the apples.

Place on a baking tray and cook on the middle shelf for 20-25 minutes, or until the apples are soft to the touch and the filling is oozing and bubbling. Remove and allow to cool just slightly before serving with the cream and blackberries.