4 Golden Criterion or Rome Beauty apples, whole, unpeeled, and cored
1/4 c. plus 1 tbsp. sugar
Zest of 4 lemons
4 tbsp. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Butter a baking dish large enough to hold the apples, then set them in. Combine the sugar and lemon zest. Fill each apple core with a portion. Drizzle the butter over the tops and bake until tender, approximately 20 minutes. Serves 4.