Step 1

Combine the oats, water, and salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium low. Stir in the brown sugar and 1 Tbsp of the syrup. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until oatmeal is slightly thickened, but still a bit watery. Remove from heat and stir in pecans. Set aside. Oatmeal should thicken slightly.

Step 2

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Core the apples, creating about a 1" hole and leaving about 1/2" of the core remaining at the bottom. Rub each core with a bit of cinnamon to coat and place in a baking dish.

Step 3

Distribute oatmeal evenly among apples. Top with 1-3 pecans each and sprinkle with additional cinnamon. Bake for 30 minutes on bottom rack of oven.

Step 4

Drizzle remaining maple syrup over each apple. Bake an additional 10 minutes, or until apples are tender, but not mushy. Remove from heat.

Step 5

Let cool slightly. Serve warm.