Directions

1. In a saucepan, combine maple syrup, cream and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 20 minutes over medium heat, or until reduced by half. Remove cinnamon stick and let sauce cool.
2. Preheat broiler.
3. To make caramelized apples: in a bowl, combine brown sugar, lemon zest, cheese, dates and hazelnuts. In a frying pan, melt butter and cook apples over low heat for 4 to 5 minutes, or until golden.
4. Transfer apples to an ovenproof dish. Cover with cheese mixture and broil for 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden. Serve with maple syrup sauce.