Baked Apples And Chestnut Puree

Grrrrrgh!
Course : Fruits
From: HungryMonster.com
Serves: 6
 

Ingredients:

1 pound fresh chestnuts or
1 1/2 cups canned or bottled chestnuts or
4 ounces dried chestnuts -- cooked
1/3 cup soy milk
1/3 cup apple juice
5 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/3 cup raisins or currants
6 medium sweet apples
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 cup white wine
3 tablespoons margarine
1 pieces cinnamon stick
1 bunch mint leaves and thin orange slices for garnish
 

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350F. To prepare fresh chestnuts, cook covered, in water, for 20 minutes till expanded and lighter in colour. To prepare canned chestnuts, cook in their liquid till heated through. To prepare dried chestnuts, cook according to package directions. Drain and rinse hot chestnuts under cold water. Cut off flat part with a sharp knife and scoop nut meat with a spoon. In a food processor, combine chestnut meat with soy milk, juice, 4 tb maple syrup, 1 ts cinnamon and nutmeg. Fold in raisins or currants. Peel apples and remove core from top, leaving the bottom intact. Hollow out the apple leaving a 1/2" shell. Brush shell with lemon juice to prevent discoloration. Sprinkle inside with a little cinnamon. Chop scooped out apple and mix with the chestnut puree. Fill apple shells with chestnut-apple stuffing. Place in a grease proof dish and pour wine and remaining syrup around the base of the apples. Add margarine and cinnamon stick to the pan. Bake 30 to 40 minutes, basting occasionally with the wine mixture. Garnish and serve.