Crispy Smashed Apples with Cinnamon Sugar

Ingredients

6 firm small apples (1 1/4 pounds), peeled, cored and halved crosswise
1 tablespoon canola or other neutral-tasting oil
¼ cup lightly packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
¼ cup chopped pecans
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

Position rack in upper third of oven. Preheat to 350°F.

Brush all sides of apple halves with oil; place cut-side down on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake until soft but not mushy, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven and turn broiler to high.

Meanwhile, stir brown sugar, butter, pecans and cinnamon together in a small bowl.

Using the bottom of a mason jar or other sturdy glass, flatten each apple half. Divide the cinnamon-sugar mixture among the apples. Broil until the pecans are browned, 1 to 2 minutes. Serve warm.