Baked Apple Blossom

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375ºF. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl combine vanilla powder with apple pie spice, sea salt, and sugar. Mix well to combine. Set aside.
3. Cut apples in half across their equator then trim top stems and roots slightly so apples will sit level. Use a melon baller to scoop out the center of the apples to remove seeds.
4. Make shallow horizontal and vertical cuts approximately 1/4 inch apart to form cross marks in each apple. Be careful not to cut too deep as apples will fall apart when baked. Place on prepared pan.
5. Evenly sprinkle sugar mixture over the top and bake 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until apples are just soft but still holding their shape. When done, apples should open up slightly like a blossom. Set aside to cool to just warm.
6. For serving, place each apple into a bowl and add a scoop of ice cream in the center. Drizzle with caramel sauce and top with nuts and whipped cream if desired.