APPLE CHARLOTTE RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas 4.
• In a large pan, melt 25g/1oz of the butter. Add the sugar and apples, then put the lid on and cook over a gentle heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Remove the lid and cook for a further 5-10 minutes until the apples are broken down, but still with a few chunks for texture. Add the apricot jam and allow to cool.
• Meanwhile, melt the remaining butter in a saucepan. Cut the slices of bread in half, and then in half again into strips, saving one piece for the base of the pudding basin and one for the lid. Dip each piece of bread into the melted butter and line a large pudding basin.
• Once the pudding basin is fully lined, spoon in the apple purée and top with another round of bread that has been dipped in melted butter. Place in the oven for 30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
• Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Carefully turn out and serve immediately with custard.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the apples, lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla. Cover and cook until the apples break down and the mixture becomes stiff, about 50 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool while you put together the bread.
• Arrange 4 of the bread slices in a square shape on a flat surface. Place the Charlotte mold upside down on the bread and trace the opening with a sharp edge. (Alternatively, use a 2-quart ovenproof casserole dish.) Cut the bread following the traced line and brush both sides with the softened butter. Fit the bread into the bottom of the mold. Cut 11 of the bread slices in half lengthwise. They should be about the same height as the mold. Spread the halved slices with the softened butter and place them against the inside of the mold, overlapping like a fan. Fill the mold with the apple mixture. Cut the remaining 7 slices of bread into triangles, brush with the softened butter and fan the pieces over the top, pressing to fit into the top of the mold.
• Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Allow the pan to cool 15 minutes. Run a knife around the inside of the mold to loosen it before unmolding. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.