1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with butter or a neutral oil to prevent sticking.
2. Wash the apples thoroughly and cut them in half lengthwise.
3. Use a spoon or melon baller to gently remove the core and seeds from each apple half, leaving about ¼ inch of apple flesh at the bottom to create a natural bowl for the filling.
4. In a small mixing bowl, combine crumbled feta cheese, chopped dried cranberries, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. Mix until well combined.
5. Optional: Add any additional ingredients to the filling, such as chopped nuts, maple syrup, ground ginger, cloves, or orange zest, if desired.
6. Spoon the filling mixture evenly into the hollowed-out centers of each apple half.
7. Arrange the filled apple halves cut-side up in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes to allow the apples to soften without drying out.
9. Remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the apples are tender and golden on top.
10. Take the baked apples out of the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
11. Just before serving, drizzle extra honey over the tops of the apples for added sweetness.
12. Optional: Garnish with extra dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or a sprig of fresh mint for an appealing presentation.
13. Serve the baked apples warm as an appetizer, a light main dish paired with a green salad, or as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.