Apple Charlotte Alba's Way

Apple Charlotte

Apple Charlotte

1 loaf challah or Hawaiian bread, cut in 1/2 inch slices        

1 stick unsalted butter, softened                                     

6-8 large apples, peeled, thinly sliced (save the peels)                                   

zest of 2 lemon, divided

Juice of 2 lemon, divided

Sugar to taste

Pinch freshly ground pepper 

Preheat oven to 350F. Butter a glass pie-dish and add a sprinkle of sugar on top.

Place a layer buttered bread, at the bottom of pan; then a layer of apples. Sprinkle zest and juice of 1 lemon, add sugar, and pepper. Place another layer of bread and butter,  apples slices,zest and juice of 1 lemon, sugar, and pepper until the dish is full. Use the apple peels to cover the top of the Charlotte to keep it moist.  Bake about 30-40 minutes. Serve warm with the peels. 

Baked Apple Charlotte

This recipe is delicious with vanilla ice cream.  I also reduced a bottle of organic pear juice down to 1 cup and drizzled it over the Charlotte.  This was served at my Downton Abbey cooking class last night at Westwood Unique. It was a BIG hit!