Roasted Apples or Apple Filling

For roasting: Peel and remove the core from the apples, then cut into medium slices. Melt the butter in a large skillet, then add the sugar and split vanilla bean. Place the fruit in the pan and quickly simmer, carefully browning the fruit evenly. Remove from the heat when a semisoft texture is achieved. Remove the vanilla bean before using.

For filling: Peel and remove th