BAKED APPLES WITH OATMEAL AND BROWN SUGAR

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°.
• Squeeze juice from lemon halves into a large bowl with 2 cups cold water.
• Peel top third of each apple.
• With a small knife and working from the top of each apple, carefully carve out a large"bowl," including the core, about 2 inches in diameter, leaving the bottom of apple intact.
• Reserve all cut-away pieces.
• Place carved apples in lemon water.
• Chop cut-away apple pieces into small chunks, removing any core or seeds.
• Toss with 3 tablespoons honey and cinnamon; set aside.
• Combine remaining 9 tablespoons honey with 1/2 cup hot water and stir until well blended.
• Stand apples, cut side up, in a 9" x 9" shallow baking dish.
• Place 1 teaspoon butter in bowl of each apple and pour honey and water mixture on top.
• Cover dish with foil and bake until tender, 25 to 35 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, bring 1 3/4 cups water and a pinch of salt to a boil.
• Add oatmeal and apple pieces, and stir until mixture returns to a boil; reduce heat and cover.
• Cook until tender, 7 to 10 minutes.
• Remove from heat.
• Remove apples from oven and carefully fill with oatmeal mixture.
• Top with brown sugar.
• Place under the broiler 1 minute, just until light brown sugar is bubbly and dark brown.
• Serve with whipped cream, if desired.