Chef Steph's Virginia Fried Apples recipe delivers tender, caramelized apples perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any cozy meal.

—Recipes by Chef Steph

YIELD: 4-6 SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS:

• 3–4 tbsp. butter or bacon fat
• 2 lb. apples, cored, peeled, and sliced into eighths (about 6 medium count)
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• Pinch of kitchen pepper (recipe follows) or ground cinnamon (optional)
  
  

FOR THE KITCHEN PEPPER:

• 2 tbsp. freshly ground coarse black pepper
• 1 tbsp. ground allspice
• 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp. ground ginger
• 1 tbsp. ground mace
• 1 tbsp. ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp. ground white pepper
• 1 tsp. cayenne pepper

DIRECTIONS:

1. Make the kitchen pepper, if using: Combine all the ingredients and store airtight. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
2. Cook the apples: In a medium cast-iron skillet, melt the butter or bacon fat over medium heat. Once it’s hot and sizzling, add the apples in one layer. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook until the apples begin to soften, 5–8 minutes.
3. Uncover, sprinkle the sugar and kitchen pepper or cinnamon (if using) over the apples, then cook, stirring occasionally, until they give up their juices, 10–15 minutes. (Add water if the pan seems to be getting too dry.) The apples are done when they are soft and fragrant, slightly jammy, and somewhere between a light and medium amber color.
4. Serve warm!