Apple snow

Method

• step 1

  Heat the oven to 200c/fan 180c/gas 6. Peel, quarter and core the apples. Cut into roughly 2cm chunks and tip into a pan. Add the butter and 20g of the sugar. Cook gently for 10-15 minutes until the apple is well-softened. Stir occasionally to prevent it catching on the bottom of the pan. remove from the heat and leave to cool for 5 minutes.

• step 2

  Whisk the egg whites in a clean bowl until stiff (you’ll know when they’re thick enough because you’ll be able to turn the bowl upside down without them falling out). Gradually whisk in the remaining sugar, two tablespoons at a time to make a thick, glossy meringue.

• step 3

  Whisk in the vanilla extract. Beat the egg yolks thoroughly into the apple mixture and spoon into 4 buttered 100ml ramekins. Spoon the meringue gently, but generously, on top and place on a baking tray. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the meringue is just set and very lightly browned. serve hot.