Burst Vanilla Apples

Directions

1. 1
   Put the apple quarters in a saucepan or saute pan just big enough to hold them in a single layer.
2. 2
   Tuck in the vanilla sections, sprinkle the sugar over the apples and pour the water and the rum over them also.
3. 3
   Cook, covered, over low heat, shaking the pan from time to time, for about 20 minutes, or until the quarters are soft and on the verge of collapse.
4. 4
   Transfer the quarters to a glass serving dish, pour over their juices (the vanilla pod can be dried and reused) and serve tepid.