Apple & Pecan Sticky Buns

On medium-low heat, melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, bourbon, smoked simple syrup, and salt. Continue to stir until melted and no longer grainy. Add in apple slices and stir to coat. Continue to cook for 10 minutes until the apples are softened and the sauce is slightly thickened. Remove from heat and cool for 15 minutes (it will thicken more as it cools). Open the roll of crescent dough. Spread apples and caramel mixture onto the dough, leaving a 1” border. Roll the dough on the longer side to form a log. Slice into 6-8 pieces. Line a 9” cast iron pan with parchment paper. Sprinkle in half of the pecan pieces on the bottom of the pan. Place the buns in the pan, cut side down, on top of the pecans. Top each bun with 1/2 tablespoon of butter and sprinkle each with the remaining brown sugar and pecans. Bake at 350F until golden, approximately 35-45 minutes. Remove from grill and serve warm as is, or with optional vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of white icing if desired. Enjoy!