Baked apples with burnt sugar cream

1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Apples:
- Core the apples, creating a cavity in the center but leaving the base intact.
- Place the apples in a baking dish, leaving some space between them.

3. Create the Filling:
- In a bowl, combine the chopped dates, chopped almonds, and 1/4 cup of brown sugar.
- Add the freshly grated ginger and 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the mixture.
- Mix well to ensure that all ingredients are evenly distributed.

4. Stuff the Apples:
- Stuff each apple with the filling mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in.

5. Bake the Apples:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, 1/2 cup of water, and the melted butter.
- Pour this mixture into the bottom of the baking dish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake the apples in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.

6. Prepare the Burnt Sugar Cream:
- While the apples are baking, make the burnt sugar cream.
- Melt the remaining brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it becomes a smooth caramel.
- Remove from heat and immediately stir in the minced garlic and remaining orange zest to combine. Let it cool slightly.
- Gradually whisk in the light sour cream, mixing until smooth and creamy.

7. Serve:
- Remove the apples from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- To serve, place each baked apple on a dessert plate.
- Drizzle generously with the burnt sugar cream.

8. Garnish and Enjoy:
- Optionally, garnish with additional chopped almonds or a sprinkle of orange zest.
- Serve warm.