Mix remaining ingredients except fat and water; fill centers of apples. Dot filling with fat. Pour water into baking dish.

Bake at 375° F. (moderate oven) about 45 to 60 minutes or until apples are tender. If apples seem dry, baste frequently with liquid in pan.

NOTE: After baking, top each apple with a marshmallow, if desired, and return to oven until marshmallows are lightly browned.

Or top with cream cheese softened with cream or milk and beaten until fluffy.

VARIATION

Pineapple- or cranberry-baked apples.—Omit apple filling. Instead, fill apples with canned, crushed pineapple or whole cranberry sauce. Top each apple with 1 teaspoon sugar and dot with butter or margarine.

Apple-cheese dessert

6 to 8 servings

6 cups pared apple slices

1 tablespoon lemon juice