1. Remove zest from orange. Mince half the zest, leave the other half in strips- set aside. Mix cranberries, orange juice, brown sugar, and butter. Divide this mixture in half. Stir minced zest into one half- set other half aside.

2. From the stem end of each of apple, slice off 1/2-inch to form a cap. Remove stem from each cap, and cut an opening large enough for a cinnamon stick. Core each apple with a melon baller. Place apples in a small baking pan and stuff each with a portion of the cranberry mixture containing the zest. Replace cap on each apple, with a cinnamon stick through the old stem opening. Pour remaining cranberry mixture around apples, stirring in remaining zest strips.

3. Bake in a 350-degree oven until apples are tender, about 45 minutes. Transfer apples to serving plates-, pour cranberry mixture from baking pan into a medium saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to a thin syrup, 7 to 10 minutes. Spoon some of the thickened cranberry mixture around each apple. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.

Nationality: Usa Courses: dessert, fruit Season: fall or winter Method: baked

Start to Finish 1 1/2 hours Preparation 5 minutes Attention 1 hour Finishing 5 minutes