Apples Baked on Cabbage Leaves

In this unusual, earthy yet sophisticated dessert, cabbage leaves are used in place of a pie crust, which keeps the apples moist and tender. A skillet is first lined with the leaves, then filled with a mixture of apples and thick batter flavored with lemon rind, Cognac, and cinnamon. After baking, the slightly burnt cabbage, which can be eaten or not as you wish, imparts a marvelous smoky flavor to the fruit. Serve very warm with vanilla ice cream, unsweetened crème fraîche, or whipped crea