For the older children, make a caramel sauce from butter and brown sugar; then pour it inside the apple with raisins or cinnamon candies. Serve with ice cream.

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Wash the apple. Remove the top core, leaving the apple intact.

• Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon on the inside of the apple. Pour the water into a small baking dish, then place the apple in the center. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the apple is completely cooked.

• When cooled, fork-mash to a suitable consistency. If desired, the entire skin can be removed once the apple is cooked.

Make a Dumpling Out of It

A fun trick for toddlers or older children is, instead of baked fruit, to make baked fruit dumplings! Combine 1 cup flour, ½ cup shortening, 2 tablespoons ice water, and a dash of salt to make a dough. Knead for a couple of minutes; then wrap around your fruit and seal with a tight pinch. Bake at a slightly higher temperature, around 400°F.