Homemade in the Microwave: Baked Apples

Living in a dorm is less than ideal for a multitude of reasons. The rooms are small, the temperature is temperamental, and roommates can be sketchy. One thing that makes living in a dorm even more unlike home is the lack of a kitchen. A microwave becomes essential to the college student who is burnt-out on Caf food or just too lazy to make the trek to Connell. For instances like these, it helps to be a little creative. There are a plethora of recipes for delicious homemade snacks that can be prepared using just a microwave that go beyond popcorn and frozen entrées.
One sweet and healthy option from Betty Crocker’s Recipes is homemade “baked” apples made in the microwave. Some of the ingredients are readily available in the Caf, which makes it very affordable if you already have a meal plan!
You will need:
2 large apples, cut in half
2 tablespoons raisins or sweetened dried cranberries
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
4 teaspoons butter or margarine, softened
4 granola bars (2 pouches from 8.9-oz box) (any flavor), crushed
Milk, cream or fruit-flavored yogurt, if desired
Using a microwavable plate, arrange the apple halves with the cut sides up. If needed, cut a thin slice off the bottoms to keep the halves from tipping over. Top each apple half evenly with raisins and brown sugar. Dot the apple halves with butter. Cover the apples with microwavable plastic wrap, folding back one edge 1/4 inch to vent steam. Microwave on high five to six minutes or until the apples are tender. Top each with granola. Serve with milk.