Wash and core apples. Peel 1/3 of the way down from stem end. Arrange in shallow baking dish with pared sides up. For color, add skins and cores to water and boil for 10 minutes; discard skins and cores. Add sugar to water; boil 5 minutes. Pour over apples, filling cavities. Bake apples in a moderate oven 350°F 1/2 to 1 hour or until apples are tender. (Time varies with size of apples) Spoon syrup from pan over apples frequently during baking. When tender, remove to individual serving dishes; pour syrup over the top. Serve warm or cold, as is or with cream, whipped cream or ice cream. Note: You may also fill each cavity with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon.