6 tbsp. butter, softened
2 tsp. ground nutmeg
6 red baking apples, cored
1/4 c. plus 2 tbsp. water, divided
1 (10 oz.) pkg. caramels
1/2 c. whipping cream

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a small bowl, combine butter and nutmeg. Using 1 tablespoon for each apple, fill centers of apple with butter mixture. Place apples in a baking pan and add 1/4 cup water to bottom of pan.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in a heavy saucepan over low heat. Melt caramels with 2 tablespoons water, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in cream.

To serve, pour caramel mixture over baked apples.

Yield: 6 apples.