Apple Gratin with Almonds

It’s a simple classic dish which has proved such a success down the ages. Apple gratin with almonds. The smell of the gratin baking in the oven is absolutely devine. It resurrects memories from childhood when Mum often  baked with apple which was of course freely available from the orchard.   

Ingredients (8-10 persons)

1.3 kg of cooking apples

1 deseeded vanilla pod split lengthways

Splash of water

Sprinkle of lemon juice

For the Almond cream topping:

150g ground almonds

150g sugar

150g soft unsalted butter

2 egg yolks 

1 whole egg

25g almond flakes

Method

Peel the apple, cut into 6 segments and discard the core. Boil the apple along with a little water (half a small cup) along with the lemon juice and the vanilla pod.  When the apple pulp is soft, remove  the lid and gently boil the juice away and remove the vanilla pod. 

When the pulp is cold place it in a tart dish of 30 cm wide and 4-5 cm high.

To make the almond cream topping:

In a bowl mix well the almond flour and sugar. Add the soft butter and egg yoke  and finally the remaining whole egg.  Whip well and place directly on top of the apple pulp.  Decorate with almond flakes and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Bake in a hot oven at 220 degrees for 15-20 minuets or until it has a nice golden colour.

Serve with créme fraiche, clotted cream or ice cream.