Full question
I’m a Brit living in Singapore but lived in the US so have many Americanized Nigella books. My preference is the UK version and try to substitute British for the American. However the Double Apple Pie’s apples I can’t get here in Singapore. What apples did Nigella use in the British version? And any other suggestions? I don’t really like a crunchy apple and definitely prefer a Bramley for a pie but don’t know what’s best. Thank you.
Our answer
Nigella's Double Apple Pie (from HOW TO BE A DOMESTIC GODDESS) has a combination of quick-cooking and firm apples in the filling to give a contrast of textures. The pastry includes cheese, which may sound odd but apple pie with cheese is a classic combination.
The UK version of How To Be A Domestic Goddess uses a combination of Bramley and Cox apples and the US version uses Macintosh and Cortland apples. Both Bramley and Macintosh apples are good for apple sauce as they break down quickly when cooked. If you can't find either of these then Granny Smith is usually the next alternative as it has a fairly tart taste. But it does tend to take longer to soften, so you will need to cook the apple slices for longer and may need to add a splash of water while they are cooking. Cox and Cortland apples are fairly firm and slightly sharp so a Braeburn would probably be the best alternative, or use an apple with a crisp texture and sweet-sharp flavour.
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