Rice-stuffed Baked Apples

Description
Makes 6 servings.

Ingredients

 * 1 cup uncooked rice*
 * 1 cup water
 * 3/4 cup apple juice
 * 6 large baking apples
 * 3/4 cup raisins
 * 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
 * 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
 * 1/2 cup chopped pecans
 * 1/4 cup maple syrup
 * 3 tablespoons brown sugar
 * 1 tablespoon lemon juice
 * 1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice
 * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

 * 1) Combine rice, water and apple juice in 2- to 3-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat; stir once or twice.
 * 2) Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 15 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Set aside.
 * 3) Core apples leaving 1-1/2-inch walls and bottoms intact; set aside. Peel top halves, if desired.
 * 4) Combine rice, raisins, cranberries, apricots, pecans, syrup, brown sugar, lemon juice, allspice and vanilla in large bowl.
 * 5) Stuff apples with rice mixture and place in shallow glass baking dish. Place remaining rice mixture around apples.
 * 6) Cover with foil; bake at 350 degrees 50 to 60 minutes or until apples are fork-tender