Gateaux aux Pommes..5 4 3 2 1

I always have a penchant for anything French..it stemmed from my teenage days studying French for a Diploma, which by chance took me further to learn the culture, the food and the country itself. My liking was further enhanced when I later had a chance to spend some real time living there and with further subsequent visits as I live just across the English Channel. It's amazing how now my forever love affair with France is reflected mostly on my bakings.

I think this gateaux aux pommes 54321 (apple cake in layman's term!) is famously known all over France thanks to the introduction by Tupperware company. I had this cake many years ago, on a rainy day when all I needed was a shade, hence I rushed into a boulangerie (bakery) nearby. Obviously, the apple cake looked more tempting than overpriced baguettes, so I decided to spend my pennies wisely on the dessert instead. Years later, I came across the recipe from one of the French websites, and after doing the translation slowly, I managed to recreate this for our tea time. It was also an occasion to savour as I was inaugurating my newly bought Le Creuset ramekins, so what better to fill them other than a French dessert, eh?

I chose green apples as I like the tartness than the red equivalent, although I have also tried it with Gala apples and they turned out just as amazing. I must confess, we have had this dessert for like, almost every day as it's the Husband's favourite, and it can be whipped up in a jiffy.

So what with this 5,4,3,2,1? It is actually the way how the ingredients are prepared..as you can see on the recipe below. Now there is no excuse on not making this cake as the recipe is easily remembered. My only modification to the authentic recipe is by using melted butter instead of oil as I think it tastes more buttery and rich.

And if you have a toddler or baby, I must say that the baked apple on its own is my fussy baby's favourite, so this cake could well be a real family treat across generations and age. Do give it a try.

5,4 3, 2,1...Apple Cake
yields 3-4 ramekins or a 6 inch cake pan

5 heaped tablespoon plain flour
4 heaped tablespoon granulated sugar
3 heaped tablespoon milk
2 heaped tablespoon melted butter (oil was used in the original recipe)
1 egg
1 green apple peeled and sliced finely
1 tbsp cinnamon powder
1/2 tbsp baking powder
a pinch of salt

Topping
5 tbsp butter-kept at room temperature
5 tbsp sugar
1 egg

Method

1. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon and salt. Whisk the egg lightly with milk and melted butter. Pour into the bowl and mix until well blended.
2. FIll half of the ramekins with the batter. Arranged the sliced apples on top and bake these at 180C for 10 minutes.
DO NOT preheat the oven, as we want the apple not to be too caramelised.
3. In the meantime, prepare the topping by mixing the butter, sugar and egg together.
4. Remove the cakes from the oven at 10 minutes, and pour the 'custard' topping. Bake the cakes again for further 20 minutes or until skewer comes out clean.
4. Sprinkle some sifted icing sugar for decoration. These cakes with delicious crusty topping is best served warm, even with a side dollop of creme fraiche as you like it!