Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 1 hr

　　

Ingredients

Makes 1 serving

　　1 small apple (1/4 lb) such as Empire, McIntosh, or Gala

　　1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

　　1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

　　2 tablespoons apricot jam

　　2 tablespoons brandy

　　1 teaspoon packed light brown sugar

　　1/8 teaspoon ground allspice

　　1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick

　　

Step 1

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat to 450°F.

　　

Step 2

Peel and core apple, leaving it whole, then turn it on its side and slice into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. Reassemble to form a whole apple and brush with some of lemon juice. Put apple into a shallow 4-inch round or oval baking dish.

　　

Step 3

Stir together butter, jam, brandy, brown sugar, allspice, and remaining lemon juice in a small bowl. Spoon 2 teaspoons of mixture into core of apple. Pour rest of mixture over outside of apple and bake, basting once or twice, 25 minutes.

　　

Step 4

Reduce oven temperature to 350°F, then insert cinnamon stick into core of apple and bake, basting frequently, until apple is tender and well browned and juices are thick and syrupy, about 20 minutes more.