Step 1

Preheat oven to 350F. In a medium bowl mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and pecans. Set aside.

Step 2

Use a round teaspoon to scoop out the center of the apple leaving half an inch or more of the bottom. The well you create in each apple should be about an inch in diameter.

Step 3

Fill each apple with the brown sugar mixture, drizzle an equal amount of vanilla in each, and top with a pat of butter.

Step 4

Place the apples into a square baking dish and carefully pour the HOT water into the dish.

Step 5

Bake apples at 350F for about 50 minutes. The apples should be softened and tender but not falling apart.