Easy Baked Apples with Caramel Sauce

Ingredients:

• 4 medium-sized apples

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Apples:

   • Wash and peel the apples or leave the skin on, as you prefer.

   • Core the apples and slice them into thin, even rounds.

3. Season the Apples: In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss the apple slices in this mixture until they are well coated.

4. Stack the Apples in a Pan: Heat a large ovenproof skillet or pan over medium heat and add the melted butter. Arrange the apple slices in the skillet, stacking them to resemble a whole apple. Make sure to keep the core area in the center and fan out the slices around it.

5. Cook on the Stovetop: Allow the apples to cook on the stovetop for a few minutes until they start to caramelize and become tender. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

6. Finish in the Oven: Transfer the skillet or pan to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the apples are fully tender and caramelized.

7. Serve: Remove the pan from the oven. Drizzle caramel sauce over the individually stacked baked apple slices while they are still warm.

8. Enjoy: Serve each individually stacked baked apple that resembles a whole apple directly from the skillet or pan. You can garnish with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or chopped nuts for added flavor.

This presentation creates a stunning dessert and can be served directly from the pan, making it a fantastic option for serving guests or a visually appealing individual treat.