I've been baking apple crisps for decades and this is BY FAR the best tasting one I've EVER made. It is SO yummy that picky-picky husband immediately gave if FIVE STARS. I can't tell you how rare that is !!!
The thinly sliced apples, which bake in a rich, mellow, caramel sauce, are topped with a sweet, crunchy, nutty layer that is to die for.....and with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.....WOW !!!  

CARAMEL APPLE CRISPTHE BEST EVER !!

MIX THE TOPPING INGREDIENTS FIRST
2/3 cup light brown sugar packed
2/3 cup all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 tablespoons cold butter
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and cut in the cold butter until it is crumbly, stir in nuts. Set aside.

MAKE THE APPLE LAYER NEXT 5 large cooking apples (I like to use an apple called Envy)
1/2 cup butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon corn starch
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 tablespoon vanilla extract + enough water to = ¼ cup

Peel and slice the apples (very thin). Place them in a large bowl and set aside.

In a heavy bottomed sauce pan, melt the butter. Remove from heat and add the flour and corn starch and stir until smooth.  Measure 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract into a quarter cup measure, and then fill the rest up with water (total liquid 1/4 cup). Add the water/extract liquid, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg to the melted butter mixture. Brin...