This warming dessert is easy to make, economical and gives generous helpings. Serve it with thick, hot custard or, for a special occasion, whipped cream.
ingredients
serves 6
1/2 pound plus 1 teaspoon butter, melted
2 2/3 cups rolled oats
1 cup soft brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 medium-sized tart apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
2/3 cup water
1 large tart apple, cored and thinly sliced but not peeled
2 tablespoons strained apricot jam, warmed
method
1. Heat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Use the 1 teaspoon of butter to grease a large baking dish. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the oats, sugar, salt, and the remaining butter, stirring well with a wooden spoon to blend.
2. Layer the oat mixture and peeled apple slices in the baking dish, beginning and ending with a layer of oat mixture. Carefully pour the water over the mixture. Place the unpeeled apple slices decoratively over the top of the pudding and, using a pastry brush, brush them with apricot jam.
3. Place the dish in the centre of the oven and bake for 40 - 50 minutes or until the top of the pudding is deep golden brown.
4. Remove the dish from the oven and serve immediately.
