Apple Brown Betty
Secrets from the White House Kitchens Cookbook
By Chef John R. Hanny
4 cups dry bread cubes, lightly toasted
6 tablespoons butter, melted
4 medium-sized tart green apples, peeled and cored
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
juice and grated rind of 1 large lemon
2/3 cup hot water
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Mix the bread cubes with melted butter. Spread 1/3 of the mixture in the bottom of an 8-inch square casserole dish. Coursely dice the peeled apples and dredge with cinnamon. Spread half of the diced apples on top of the bread layer in the casserole dish. Top with 1/4 cup of the brown sugar, then cover with another layer of bread crumbs. Sprinkle the remaining diced apples on top of the second layer. Sprinkle with another 1/4 cup of the brown sugar. Sprinkle with the lemon juice and rind. Top with an even layer of the remaining bread cubes. Spoon on the hot water and sprinkle the top with the remaining tablespoon of brown sugar. Bake on lower shelf of a preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until top is golden brown and crusty.
Serves 6 to 8.
Author's note: This layered dessert is best served warm with lemon sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Secrets from the White House Kitchens Cookbook
By Chef John R. Hanny
4 cups dry bread cubes, lightly toasted
6 tablespoons butter, melted
4 medium-sized tart green apples, peeled and cored
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
juice and grated rind of 1 large lemon
2/3 cup hot water
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Mix the bread cubes with melted butter. Spread 1/3 of the mixture in the bottom of an 8-inch square casserole dish. Coursely dice the peeled apples and dredge with cinnamon. Spread half of the diced apples on top of the bread layer in the casserole dish. Top with 1/4 cup of the brown sugar, then cover with another layer of bread crumbs. Sprinkle the remaining diced apples on top of the second layer. Sprinkle with another 1/4 cup of the brown sugar. Sprinkle with the lemon juice and rind. Top with an even layer of the remaining bread cubes. Spoon on the hot water and sprinkle the top with the remaining tablespoon of brown sugar. Bake on lower shelf of a preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until top is golden brown and crusty.
Serves 6 to 8.
Author's note: This layered dessert is best served warm with lemon sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.