5 Minute "Baked" Apples

"I bet I can train lady birds" I said to my friend Felicity growing up. There were the three of us, Felicity, my sister and I. My sister was customarily quiet but I was convinced that with the power of my mind, I could make lady birds go where I wanted them to.

"Are you sure?" Felicity asked, skeptical.

"Of course" I said with utter confidence.

I didn't of course get the ladybirds to move the way that I wanted. Although the fact that I was older than both meant that I had convinced them that I did and in turn, convinced myself that I had indeed learned to train lady bugs.

A less impossible task is the five minute baked apple. Not baked in the traditional sense in an oven, this 5 minute microwave recipe is for when you want something sweet, relatively healthy and quick (see 5 minute chocolate cake for something a bit more decadent). Apples are abundant at the moment and this recipe makes a sweet little dessert for one. Okay, it does take say 6 minutes (1 minute to stir the ingredients together) but when it emerges from the microwave with a thick, ready made sauce and soft apple, I hope all will be forgiven.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to train some ladybirds ;)

So tell me Dear Reader, if you could train any animal to do anything, what would it be?

5 Minute "Baked" Apples

For 1 baked apple

• 1 apple

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 3/4 tablespoon moist coconut flakes

• 3/4 tablespoon currants

• 1/2 tablespoon slivered almonds

Step 1 - Mix the brown sugar, coconut flakes, currants and almonds together. Core apple and place in a bowl. Stuff the centre of the apple with the brown sugar mix and cover with cling wrap. Place in microwave for 5 minutes on high. Remove cling wrap carefully (the steam will be hot) and serve with cream.