Caramelized Apples

Not “caramel apples”—whole apples coated with candy—but caramelized: sliced apples baked in caramelized butter and sugar until lightly browned, served warm or at room temperature. If you think applesauce smells good when you make it, wait till you try this—for many, a new way to enjoy our continent’s favorite fruit.

There are two ways I like to prepare this: one when I have time and one when I’m in a hurry. The preferred method—essentially a tarte tatin without the crust (if you lik