📖 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the apples bake evenly. Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray. This prevents the apples from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. Wash the apples thoroughly and dry them with a clean towel. Using a paring knife, carefully core each apple, removing the seeds and core without cutting all the way through to the bottom. Leave about ½ inch at the base to create a well for the filling.
3. In a small saucepan, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, honey, and a pinch of salt. Heat over low heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creates a luscious caramel-like sauce that will infuse the apples with flavor.
4. Place the cored apples in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the honey-butter mixture evenly into the center of each apple, filling the well. If you have any mixture left over, pour it around the base of the apples in the baking dish.
5. Pour about ½ cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish. This helps to create steam, which will keep the apples moist and prevent them from drying out during baking. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender and slightly wrinkled. The apples should be easily pierced with a fork. Basting the apples with the pan juices halfway through the baking process will enhance their flavor and appearance. And uh, I always forget to do this part so eh, don't sweat it!
7. Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and let the apples cool slightly before serving. The apples will be very hot, so be cautious when handling them. Drizzle any remaining pan juices over the apples before serving. Serve warm and if you have it, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy! A sprinkle of chopped nuts adds a nice crunch.