- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 red-skinned, sweet apples, such as Honeycrisp or Gala, cored, cut into 1/2″ slices
- Place cranberries in a small bowl and cover with very hot water; set aside.
- Melt butter in a large heavy pot over high heat. Scrape in vanilla seeds; discard pod. Add brown sugar and salt and cook, stirring, until combined. Add apples and cook, stirring often, until apples are soft and liquid is almost completely evaporated, 15–20 minutes.
- Transfer apple mixture to a large serving bowl. Drain cranberries, add to apple mixture, and toss to combine.