Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Oat Crumble Topping

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.

Wash and core the apples, leaving the bottom intact. If necessary, slice a thin layer from the bottom of each apple so it can stand upright.

In a medium bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

In a small bowl, combine the raisins (if using), chopped nuts (if using), and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Divide this mixture among the cored apple centers.

Place the filled apples in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the oat crumble topping evenly over the apples.

Pour water and lemon juice into the bottom of the baking dish.

Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown. Check the apples for doneness with a fork – they should be easily pierced.

Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.