Poached Apples and Custard

Ingredients

 * 2 Jonagold or Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, and halved
 * 1/2 cup water
 * 2 tablespoons brandy (optional)
 * Quick Custard Sauce 1/4 cup crushed butter toffee candy
 * 4 sprigs fresh mint
 * 1/4 cup sugar
 * 2 teaspoons cornstarch
 * 1 cup half-and-half
 * 1 egg white, beaten
 * 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
 * 1/4 teaspoon salt
 * salad greens

Directions
1.) Arrange apple halves in 2-quart microwave-safe dish. Combine water and brandy; pour over apples; cover and microwave on high (100 percent) 4 to 5 minutes or until apples are tender. (If microwave does not have carousel, rotate dish halfway after 2 minutes.)

2.) In microwave-safe glass measure, blend sugar and cornstarch; stir in half-and-half. Microwave on high (100 percent) 2 to 3 minutes or until mixture boils. Stir small amount of hot mixture into egg white; return to hot mixture. Stir in vanilla extract; microwave on high (100 percent) 1 minute. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

4.) Prepare Quick Custard Sauce. To serve, spoon custard into bottom of shallow serving dish. Arrange apple halves on custard and sprinkle with crushed toffee. Garnish with mint and serve.