How To make Baked Apples and Chestnut Puree

1 lb Fresh chestnuts OR
1 1/2 c Canned or bottled chestnuts

OR 4 oz Dried chestnuts, cooked
1/3 c Soy milk
1/3 c Apple juice
5 tb Maple syrup
1 ts Cinnamon
1/4 ts Nutmeg
1/3 c Raisins or currants
6 ea Sweet apples
Few tb lemon juice Additional cinnamon 3/4 c White wine
3 tb Margarine
1 ea Cinnamon stick
Mint leaves & thin orange :

slices for garnish Preheat oven to 350F. To prepare fresh chestnuts, cook covered, in water, for 20 minutes till expanded & lighter in colour. To prepare canned chestnuts, cook in their liquid till heated through. To prepare dried chestnuts, cook according to package directions. Drain & rinse hot chestnuts under cold water. Cut off flat part with a sharp knife & scoop nut meat with a spoon. In a food processor, combine chestnut meat with soy milk, juice, 4 tb maple syrup, 1 ts cinnamon & nutmeg. Fold in raisins or currants. Peel apples & remove core from top, leaving the bottom intact. Hollow out the apple leaving a 1/2" shell. Brush shell with lemon juice to prevent discoloration. Sprinkle inside with a little cinnamon. Chop scooped out apple & mix with the chestnut puree. Fill apple shells with chestnut-apple stuffing. Place in a grease proof dish & pour wine & remaining syrup around the base of the apples. Add margarine & cinnamon stick to the pan. Bake 30 to 40 minutes, basting occasionally with the wine mixture. Garnish & serve.