Apple brown Betty

COOKING TIME 30–40 MINUTES

SERVES 6

800g (1¾lb) peeled, chopped Bramley apple

½ tsp ground cinnamon

Grated zest and juice of 2 oranges

25g (1oz) demerara sugar

200g (7oz) sweet biscuits (digestives or similar), crushed

50g (2oz) breadcrumbs

50g (2oz) flaked or chopped nuts

50g (2oz) unsalted butter

Cream or ice cream, to serve

PREHEAT THE OVEN TO 175°C (340°F), Gas Mark 3–4. Mix together the chopped apple, cinnamon, orange juice and half the zest in a shallow, 20cm (8in) square, ovenproof baking dish.

COMBINE THE SUGAR, crushed biscuits, breadcrumbs and nuts with the rest of the orange zest and spread this over the apple mixture. Place small pieces of butter across the top of the crumb mix.

BAKE IN THE OVEN FOR 30–40 minutes until the apple is cooked and the crumb top is crisp and brown. Serve with cream or ice cream.

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This family recipe comes from Jill Coombe, from The Pudding Club. She inherited it from Granny Coombe, who baked it regularly. It’s quick to make and a bit of cheat, but absolutely delicious nonetheless.

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