The dish that Downton Abbey’s Mrs. Patmore refused to attempt is actually very simple to make. This version is from Mrs. Beeton (1836-1865), the original domestic goddess. She actually couldn’t cook at all, but had a brilliant mind for organization, and collected recipes and published them. Learn more about her amazing young life and the movie about her story.
King George V loved Apple Charlotte and ate whenever he could.
Mrs. Beeton’s Easy Apple Charlotte
The dish that Downton Abbey refused to make is actually very simple to make. King George V loved this dessert.
Servings 5 persons
Ingredients
- 9 slices bread, buttered crusts removed
- 6 large apples
- 1 tbsp. lemon-peel, minced
- 2 tbsp. juice
- moist sugar to taste
Instructions
- Butter a 8 inch spring form pan (or use a pie pan which is what Mrs. Beeton had on hand).
- Place a layer of bread and butter, without the crust, at the bottom; then a layer of apples, pared, cored, and cut into thin slices;
- Sprinkle over these a portion of the lemon-peel and juice, and sweeten with moist sugar.
- Place another layer of bread and butter, and then one of apples, proceeding in this manner until the dish is full; then cover it up with the peel of the apples, to preserve the top from browning or burning;
- Bake in a brisk oven ( 350 F / 180 C degrees) for rather more than 3/4 hour; remove the outer ring, and place the charlotte on a serving dish, sprinkle sifted sugar over, and serve.
Notes
Remember to make breadcrumbs from your scraps!