The wonderful aroma of this dessert baking reminds me of my mother and grandmother, who both adored baked apples. Always the finicky eater, my mother had to coax me into discovering how good they really are. She would be proud to see this recipe here.  

• 4 large apples, cored with the skin peeled around the top
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup apple juice
• ¼-½ cup brown sugar
• 4 teaspoons vegan butter 
• Sprinkle cinnamon
• 4 teaspoons raisins or currants (optional)
• 4 teaspoons pecans, finely chopped (optional)    
• Brown sugar to sprinkle over top

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil baking dish or pan.  Place apples upright in cooking dish or baking pan. Mix water, apple juice, and cinnamon and brown sugar together. Down the center of each apple, distribute the liquid mixture evenly among the four apples, and then add a teaspoon of butter, a teaspoon of raisins or currants, and a teaspoon of pecans. Lightly sprinkle the peeled tops of the apples with brown sugar. Bake 30-45 minutes until tender but not falling apart. Baste the apples with the juices as they are baking to prevent apples drying out before fully cooked. Remove and serve warm.