8 firm juicy apples
6 tbsp. light brown sugar
1 tbsp. cinnamon
1/3 c. chopped nuts or raisins
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tbsp. butter
3/4 c. maple syrup
1/2 c. water
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1/3 tsp. salt

Core and peel apple 1/3 down from stem. Combine sugar, cinnamon, nuts. Fill center of each apple with mixture - press in. Pat sugar around peeled portion of apple. Dot top with butter. Place apples in shallow baking dish. Combine syrup, water, lemon juice, salt. Heat quickly to boiling then remove from heat and add vanilla. Pour small amount of hot syrup gently on top of each apple. Pour rest around all the apples. Baste with liquid after 15 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes.