Make sure the apple you use is fresh. A soft apple could collapse while you’re trying to bore the holes. It’s ideal to use the type of ball-point pen with a tip you can unscrew so you can take out the ink well. Otherwise, you may spill ink all over the apple. Once you take out the ink well, screw the tip back on. Don’t use a pencil. It’s likely to break inside the apple while you’re trying to make a hole with it.
If the apple is difficult to push through, it may help to use a twisting motion as you push. Once you make the initial hole with the pen’s tip, you can remove the pen, unscrew the tip, and use the tip-less pen to push into the apple. The apple will slide into the hollow pen. When you’re finished making the hole, remove the pen and discard the apple piece.
Don’t cut off the top too close to the stem. The top of the apple will be made into the bowl, and you want it to be sturdy. You may have to wiggle the stem out to dislodge it. Try not to damage the top of the apple.
Don’t get too close to the sides or the bottom of the apple when you’re working with the spoon. The pipe won’t be sturdy unless the apple has enough flesh left to hold its structure. Use a knife to help you break up the flesh in the middle of the circle if it’s difficult to remove it with the spoon. Score it a few times with the knife, then dig around the scores with the spoon.
