Preheat oven to 350F. In a medium bowl mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and pecans. Set aside.
Use a round teaspoon to scoop out the center of the apple leaving half an inch or more of the bottom. The well you create in each apple should be about an inch in diameter.
Fill each apple with the brown sugar mixture, drizzle an equal amount of vanilla in each, and top with a pat of butter.
Place the apples into a square baking dish and carefully pour the HOT water into the dish.
Bake apples at 350F for about 50 minutes. The apples should be softened and tender but not falling apart.
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Notes
Choose the right type of apple for this recipe. Mealy apples like red delicious will just fall apart, you want them to be spoon soft after baking. Scroll down for my Apple recommendations!
Think of this recipe as a starting point. You can add raisins, currants, maple syrup, an oat-based crisp topping, or even some caramel to the mix!
You can also add a bit of lemon zest for some zing, or a tablespoon of bourbon or brandy for added depth of flavor.
Baked apples are a dish you can make in a snap but you can mix up the filling and keep it in a sealed container so you can make this easy treat even quicker.
Adding liquid to the baking dish it important for preventing the apples from burning and drying out.