I've made this meal several times for my family, and it has quickly become the most sought-after dish I cook

Slow Cooker Hot Buttered Apples, a delightful and comforting dessert, is reminiscent of simpler times when recipes were shared over the fence and the aromatic spices drew families to the kitchen. This dish is a testament to the ingenuity of home cooks who sought to make the most of the harvest season, transforming apples, a staple of American orchards, into a warm, decadent treat. The butter melts into the soft, spiced apples resulting in a caramelized exterior and a gooey center, perfect for chilly evenings or holiday gatherings. While its exact origins are hard to pinpoint, the recipe is a nod to traditional apple-based desserts that have been long enjoyed in American cuisine.

Serving Slow Cooker Hot Buttered Apples is almost as delightful as the ease of making them. This dish can be the perfect end to any meal, acting as a sumptuous dessert on its own or paired beautifully with vanilla ice cream, offering a textural contrast between the warm, softened apples and the cool, creamy ice cream. Additionally, it also serves as a wonderful companion to pancakes or waffles, adding a rich and buttery apple topping to your breakfast or brunch. If you're looking for a comforting side, spoon over oatmeal or yogurt to start your day with a sweet apple embrace.

Ingredients:

- 6 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup apple cider or apple juice
- Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In the slow cooker, combine the sliced apples and melted butter, ensuring the apples are well coated with the butter.

2. In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle this mixture over the buttered apples and gently toss to evenly coat the apples with the spice mixture.

3. Pour the vanilla extract and apple cider (or apple juice) over the apples. Don't stir; just allow the liquid to seep through the layers.

4. Cover the slow cooker with its lid, set it on low heat, and cook for about 4 to 5 hours, or until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.

5. Once cooked, give the apples a gentle stir to evenly distribute the flavors and sauce.

6. Serve warm as desired, and enjoy the comforting, homey flavors of this classic dish.

Optional garnishing: A sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dollop of whipped cream can also be added just before serving for an extra special touch.