hese apples are a truly decadent way to celebrate the harvest. They can be prepared up to two days in advance and reheated, and are wonderful throughout the holiday season.

INGREDIENTS:
4 Golden Delicious Apples
1/4 Cup Raisins
1/4 Cup Marsala Wine
4 Ladyfinger Cookies, crumbled
1/4 Cup Blanched Almonds, chopped
1/4 Cup Pine Nuts, chopped
1/4 Cup Walnuts, chopped
1/4 Teaspoon Almond Extract
5 Ounces Bittersweet Chocolate
1/2 Cup Cream
2 Tablespoons Powdered Sugar

DIRECTIONS:
– Soak raisins in Marsala for 30 minutes.
– Cut the tops off the apples, save as lids. Carve out the core and discard. Carve out 1/2 of the pulp to half an inch of the outside of the apple, chop the pulp coarse, then combine with the lady fingers, nuts, and extract.
– Drain the raisins and add to the mixture.
– Fill the apples and cover with the lid. Steam or bake in a steam bath for about 6-8 minutes or until just tender.
– Melt the chocolate with the cream in a double boiler and stir until smooth.

PRESENTATION NOTES:

Drizzle the chocolate over the apples and dust with powdered sugar just before serving. Serve warm or chill up to two days in advance.