Apple Charlotte

Ingredients:
6 ounces butter, divided
4 1/2 ounces superfine sugar
2 1/4 pounds cooking apples, peeled, cored and chopped
4 tablespoons smooth apricot jam
12 slices white bread, crusts removed

Method of Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large pan, melt 1 ounce of the butter over medium-low heat. Add the sugar and apples, cover pan, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove the lid and cook for another 5-10 minutes until the apples are broken down, but still with a few chunks for texture. Remove pan from heat.  Stir in the apricot jam and allow mixture to cool.
4. Meanwhile, melt the remaining butter in a saucepan. Cut the slices of bread in half, and then in half again making four strips from each slice.  Dip each piece of bread into the melted butter and use them to line the bottom and sides of a large mould.  Spoon the apple mixture into the lined mould and top with more butter-dipped bread strips. Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
5. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Carefully turn out and serve immediately with custard or whipped cream, if desired.

Cooking with Class airs on NBC 10 and is hosted by Chef Frank Terranova, an associate instructor at Johnson & Wales University.