fantasy friday: apple charlotte almost from downton abbey

This apple charlotte almost comes from Downton Abbey, because this is the recipe Mrs. Patmore refused to attempt in season 1, as her failing eyesight kept her from reading the recipe.

Oh Mrs. Patmore, you are so lovable.

It's too bad everyone at Downton missed out. Because apple charlotte is delicious.

Traditionally made in ramekins, I made mine in a muffin pan, since I don't have a whole set of ramekins lying around. (Do you?)

Best served warm from the oven, the insides of these cups contain soft apples, tart with the tang of lemon, but very much infused with the flavor of vanilla. The bread at the top is toasty, on the sides it's doughy, and at the bottom lies a sticky, candied treat. I like to serve them upside down, but it doesn't really matter.

If you don't want to use stevia, try 1/4 cup of raw honey instead.

Apple Charlotte

Ingredients:
6 granny smith apples
juice of one lemon (about 3 tbsp)
1 tbsp lemon zest
4 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp liquid stevia
2 cinnamon sticks
1 tbsp + 1 tsp coconut sugar
10-15 slices of whole wheat bread

Peel, core, and dice apples into 1/2" cubes. Combine in a large saucepan with the lemon juice, lemon zest, 2 tbsp of the coconut oil, vanilla, stevia, and cinnamon sticks. (I added the apples as I prepared them and poured the lemon juice over them to keep them from browning.) Cook over medium high heat, stirring occasionally, until apples are fork tender, about 10 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Use the remaining 2 tbsp of coconut oil to coat the sides and bottoms of a 12 muffin pan. Spread the sugar among the muffin compartments, then gently shake the pan side to side so that the sugar sticks to the oil, coating the bottoms and part of the sides of the compartments.

Use a cookie cutter or top of a glass to cut circles from the bread that will fit in the bottoms of the pan. Cut off the crusts of the bread and create enough pieces to line the sides. It doesn't have to be a perfect fit...the pieces can hang over the top a bit. You'll want to smoosh them into the cups...I used a small glass to press the bread down.

Fill the bread cups with the apple filling. Be sure to get it all in; they will be heaping! Bake for 20-25 minutes. Serve topped with coconut whipped cream and cinnamon, or apricot jam. Eat leftovers cold, or reheat in the microwave for 40-60 seconds.

P.S. I promise we'll get away from Hogwarts and Downton Abbey someday. But couldn't you just eat their hearty British food all day long?