Baked apples

• 4 APPLES, peeled and cored
• 6 TBSP SUGAR
• 4 TBSP HONEY

• 200 GRAM RICE
• 4 CUPS MILK
• 1 TSP STAR ANIS POWDER
• 3 PIECES ARABIC GUM (optional)
• 1 TBSP ROSE WATER
• 6 DATES, chopped
• 6 TBSP SUGAR

Pour a very thin layer of water into a oven dish and arrange the apples in it. Distribute the sugar over the middle holes; bake the apples 25 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius. Heat the honey a little until it becomes fluid and pour it over the apples.

On 26 April, Belarus remembers that on this date in 1981 the Chernobyl nuclear plant accident took place. The radioactive contamination has taken high tolls with regard to lives, health,  and quality of living. Click on culinary calendar for more links between cooking and history.

Bring the rice to the boil with one cup of water and simmer a few minutes until all water has been absorbed. Add the milk and the star anis powder, bring to the boil and simmer 40 minutes. Add the other ingredients and simmer five minutes more.