Baked Apples with Port

Ingredients:
6 baking apples (Jonathan, Rome Beauty, Jonagold or other)
3 T. unsalted butter
1/3 C. sugar plus 2 T.
About 1/4 t. ground ginger
About 2/3 C. port
1/2 C. water
Heavy cream as an accompaniment

Preparation:
Pre-heat the oven to 350°. Select a baking dish just large enough to accomodate the apples standing upright.

With an apple corer or paring knife, remove the core from each apple, being careful not to pierce the bottom. Place 1/2 tablespoon butter, 1 teaspoon sugar and a pinch of ginger in each apple, then pour in enough port to fill the cavities.

Stand the apples in the reserved dish. Add the remaining 1/3 cup sugar to the dish, distributing it evenly around the apples. Then pour in the remaining port and the water.

Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the apples are fully tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Transfer the apples to individual plates and spoon the port sauce from the baking dish over them. Serve with a pitcher of cream for those who want to add it to the dessert.

Serves 6.