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
Combine rice, water and apple juice in 2- to 3-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat; stir once or twice. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 15 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Set aside.

Core apples leaving 1-1/2-inch walls and bottoms intact; set aside. Peel top halves, if desired.

Combine rice, raisins, cranberries, apricots, pecans, syrup, brown sugar, lemon juice, allspice and vanilla in large bowl. Stuff apples with rice mixture and place in shallow glass baking dish. Place remaining rice mixture around apples. Cover with foil; bake at 350 degrees 50 to 60 minutes or until apples are fork-tender