A Simple Apple Dessert

We went apple picking last weekend.  We do this many times in the fall and I am sure you'll do it once or twice, if not you'll take advantage of all the apples that are for sale around this time of year.   This is a very quick and simple dessert that pleases everyone and might be fancy enough for company.  All you need is an apple corer (worth every bit of the $6 or so you'll spend) and some oven proof individual dishes (though bigger than ramekins). My mother needs the credit for this dessert.... she makes it all of the time.

Basically, you core the apples (do not peel them). Place them in the small dish and fill the hole with maple syrup. I use real maple syrup, but I have never tried it with pancake syrup, so I am not sure if it would work as well.  You could also just use brown sugar if you don't have real maple syrup. Place the apples in the oven (about 350F or 375F, it doesn't really matter) and wait 30 minutes or so. They will start to melt down and bubble. The more time you leave them in there, the more melted the apples will become. Eat them as is or if you would prefer: top with ice cream (rice dream ice cream is fine), heavy cream or add some brown sugar. Adding dried cranberries or nuts would also be nice.  Its like eating apple pie without the crust and it takes no preparation or work, aside from coring the apples and opening the oven.  This dessert has always been a hit, and is a great and easy way to use all those wonderful fall apples. Enjoy!