Charlotte aux Pommes

Originally an English dessert named after Queen Charlotte (wife of George III), Charlotte aux pommes was adapted for French tastes in the 18th century. Antoine Carême, enamored with the shape of the charlotte mold, dispensed with the English use of breadcrumbs, favoring instead ladyfingers or artfully trimmed white bread for the dessert’s outer layer. While this recipe is a traditional charlotte in that it is made with apple compote and is served hot