Ingredients:

  • 6 medium apples (such as Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced about ¼-inch thick (approximately 1.3 kg or 2.9 lbs)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (57g or 2 oz)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g or 3.5 oz)
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar (50g or 1.75 oz)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (5g or 0.17 oz)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (0.5g or 0.017 oz)
  • Pinch of ground cloves (optional)
  • 1/4 cup water (60 ml or 2 fl oz)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml or 0.5 fl oz) (optional, to prevent browning)

Instructions:

  1. Peel, core, and slice the apples. Toss with lemon juice (if using) to prevent browning.
  2. Melt the butter in the large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (if using).
  4. Add the sliced apples to the skillet. Stir to coat them evenly with the sugar-spice mixture.
  5. Pour in the water. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender but still hold their shape, stirring occasionally.
  7. If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid and increase the heat slightly to reduce and thicken the sauce, stirring constantly, for a few minutes.
  8. Serve warm. These fried apples cracker barrel style are delicious!