4 firm-tart apples, halved from stem to blossom end, and cored
6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1/2 of a white onion, finely chopped (about a scant cup)
1/4 cup golden raisins
pinch of crushed red pepper (optional)
some fresh thyme leaves, or a pinch of dried thyme
honey to drizzle on the bakes apples (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the apple halves in a baking dish large enough to hold them in a single layer.
Toss the chopped bacon with the onion, raisins, crushed red pepper, and thyme. Use your hands to divide the filling into the apples. The filling is loose, so pat it into a little mound on each apple. Pour a half of a cup of water around the apples, and cover the baking dish with foil. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the apples are tender. Remove the foil and return the baking dish to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes, to let the filling brown a bit.
Serve hot, drizzled with a little honey, if desired.