Apples Foster Aka Apple Pie Minus the Crust

"There are few aromas more comforting than that of apple pie. This is as easy and old-school a dessert as bananas Foster and, thanks to a generous dousing with Calvados or Apple Jack, equally boozy." From the WSJ, January 25, 2013 *posting for safe keeping.

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Serves: 4
• Yields: 4

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup butter
• 1⁄2 cup demerara sugar
• 1  star anise, substitute 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 4  large  crisp apples, peeled and sliced, one per person
• 1⁄4 cup calvados or 1⁄4 cup  apple jack
• 4  scoops vanilla ice cream or 4  scoops creme fraiche, for serving

Directions

1. 1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and cook until it foams. Once foaming subsides, stir in sugar and spice and cook 1 minute to allow flavors to meld.
2. 2. Lay apples into pan in a single layer and cook until fruit begins to caramelize, about 5 minutes.
3. 3. Pour Calvados into pan. Use a long match or candle lighter to ignite alcohol. Boil until flames subside, 1 minute. Remove from heat and serve with premium ice cream or crème fraîche. I recommend Recipe #144139.
4. *Demerara sugar is a type of unrefined sugar with a large grain and a pale to golden yellow color.