For a delicious dessert, how about some worm-ridden baked apples.

INGREDIENTS

6 firm large apples
⅓ cup raisins
⅓ cup chopped pecans
½ cup brown sugar
⅓ cup water
½ stick butter
2 sage leaves
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
¼ tsp cinnamon (optional)
½ scraped vanilla bean
6-10 candy worms
12 fried basil leaves (optional)

PREPARATION

Core apples ½ way down the center from the stem-side, leaving the stem intact. Mix raisins and pecans and stuff into the cavity of the apples. Set the apples in a pan. In a saucepan, melt butter with the sage leaves. Remove the leaves and mix in brown sugar, water and stir over high heat until the mixture boils. Take off the heat and add nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. Pour the sugar mixture over the apples and bake in a 350°F oven until tender (about 30-35 minutes).

Cool the apples and set each one in a small bowl. Spoon any liquid from the bottom of the pan onto each apple. Make 1-2 holes in each apple and set the candy worm inside making it dangle.

For a real-looking effect (that also happens to be delicious!), fry basil leaves in 2 tbsp butter for 30 seconds on each side. Place on a paper towel and sprinkle with sugar. Secure the leaves on either side of the stem to the tops of your apples with peanut butter on the underside. Serve with vanilla ice cream.