-
1
Preheat the oven to 400F.
-
2
Combine 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) of the butter with 1 cup of the sugar and a tablespoon of water in a 10- or 12-inch nonstick ovenproof skillet and turn the heat to medium.
-
3
Cook, shaking the pan occasionally (dont stir), until the sugar melts into the butter and the mixture bubbles.
-
4
Turn off the heat and add the apples in layers; about halfway through, dot with some of the remaining butter and sugar.
-
5
Use the rest of the butter and sugar on top of the last layer, along with the cinnamon if you like.
-
6
Put in the oven.
-
7
Bake, undisturbed, until the apples give up their liquid and it evaporates and the sides of the mass are dark brown and sticky looking.
-
8
This will take around 45 minutes, but it could be considerably longer or shorter depending on the water content of your apples.
-
9
Remove and let cool.
-
10
Serve straight from the pan orfor a more attractive presentationinvert onto a plate.
-
11
Great with ice cream: Melt 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter in the pan; add the apples and sugar, only 1/2 to 3/4 cup in this instance, depending on the sweetness of your apples; add the cinnamon at this point too.
-
12
Cook on top of the stove, shaking and gently turning the apples, until they are tender and lightly browned.
-
13
Serve hot or warm.
