Apple Bakers

Polish pottery apple baker guide

Size

The dish holds 14 ounces (about 1¾ cups), which takes one large baking apple, a Honeycrisp, Braeburn or Granny Smith, with its filling and a spoonful of cider or water in the bottom. The lid sits on the rim and lifts off with one hand. Buy one per person; they stack with the lids on and take up less cupboard space than a set of ramekins.

How to bake an apple in it

Core the apple most of the way down, leaving the bottom closed so the filling stays in. Set it in the dish, pack the hole with a tablespoon each of brown sugar and butter, a pinch of cinnamon and a few raisins or walnuts, add a tablespoon of water or cider to the dish, and put the lid on. Bake at 375°F for 35 to 45 minutes until a knife slides in easily. Take the lid off for the last ten minutes if you want the top to brown. Serve in the dish with the juices spooned over, with cream, custard or ice cream.

Beyond apples

The same dish is a single-serving ramekin for a crumble, a crème brûlée (lid off), a pot de crème, a baked egg with cream and herbs, a mini pot pie, French onion soup under a round of bread and cheese, or oatmeal baked overnight. With the lid on it keeps a portion warm in a low oven for a latecomer. It is also the right size for a baked pear.

Care

Oven safe to 480°F (250°C), and microwave, dishwasher and freezer safe. Put the dish into a preheated oven from room temperature or the fridge, never straight from the freezer, and keep it off burners and out from under the broiler. Caramelised sugar from the filling soaks off in warm water; the glaze does not stain.

Choosing a pattern

Traditional stamps (Nature 41, Daisy Dreams 120) are the entry price; the "a" patterns (Floral Peacock 166a, Blue Blossom 1154a) are more detailed; the signed Unikat bakers (Regal Bouquet 148ar, Poppies 150ar, Floral Garden 312ar) are hand-painted. A pair in the same pattern as your mugs makes a small, useful gift that does not need wrapping.

Frequently asked questions

How big an apple fits?

One large baking apple. The dish holds 14 ounces, about 1¾ cups, with room for the filling and a spoonful of liquid in the bottom.

Do I need the lid on?

Bake with the lid on so the apple steams through without drying, and take it off for the last ten minutes if you want the top browned. For crème brûlée or a crumble, bake with the lid off.

Can I use it for anything besides apples?

Yes. It is a single-serving ramekin for crumbles, custards, baked eggs, mini pot pies, French onion soup and baked oatmeal.

Is it dishwasher safe?

Yes. Dishwasher, microwave, oven and freezer safe, and the glaze does not stain from caramelised sugar.