Ingredients

• 1 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 large Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, each cut into 8 wedges
• 3 tablespoons (packed) golden brown sugar
• Vanilla ice cream
• Toasted pecan halves (optional)

Instructions

1. Stir sugar, cream, butter, honey, and 3 tablespoons water in heavy medium saucepan over low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat; bring syrup to boil. Add spices, pinch of salt, and pinch of black pepper, shaking pan to blend. Boil without stirring until sauce coats spoon, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 week ahead. Cool, cover, and chill. Rewarm before using.
2. Melt butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add apples; sprinkle with sugar. Sauté apples until tender and brown in spots, about 12 minutes.
3. Scoop ice cream into dishes. Top with sauce, apples, and pecans, if using.