Apple brown betty

Written by Catherine Saxelby on Tuesday, 09 June 2009.
Tagged: dessert, healthy cooking, healthy eating, vegetarian

Apple brown betty

 

History has left no clue as to the identity of the "Betty" who first layered breadcrumbs and apples to create this dreamy old-fashioned dessert. But it's a wonderful way to use up uneaten bread or when you have a glut of apples.

Ingredients

  • APPLE FILLING:
  • 4 large green cooking apples (800 g to 1 kg)
  • 3 cloves
  • 2-3 tablespoons sugar
  • 4 tablespoons water
  • TOPPING:
  • 2 cups soft fresh wholemeal breadcrumbs (allow 10 slices)
  • ½ cup brown sugar, firmly-packed
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • grated rind of 1 lemon (about 1 teaspoon)

Directions

1. Peel and core apples and cut into 2-cm (1") chunks. Place in a saucepan with the cloves, sugar and water. Cover and bring to the boil. Reduce heat then simmer for 15-20 minutes or until apple is cooked and soft. It should be starting to break up. Cool slightly.

2. Meanwhile spray oil over the base and sides of a 20 cm square or round baking dish. Mix together breadcrumbs, sugar, cinnamon and lemon rind Sprinkle one-third of this mixture on the bottom of the greased oven dish.

3. Spread half the apple mixture over, sprinkle with another one-third of the breadcrumb mixture and then add remaining apples. Top with remaining breadcrumbs.

4. Bake in a moderately-hot oven 180°C/350°F for 30 minutes or until golden brown on top. Serve warm over with custard or vanilla ice-cream.