EXPERIENCED baker Arnold Brown went head-to-head with young trainee cooks competing for the glory of creating Nottingham's best apple pie.
A tried and tested recipe belonging to 90-year-old Arnold, who ran Brown's Bakery in Mansfield Road, Nottingham, was pitched against a pie baked by teenagers who are taking an NVQ course in hospitality and catering.
In a closely-fought battle, Arnold's age-old recipe narrowly triumphed over youthful enthusiasm – but only just. Both pies had golden shortcrust pastry with a light dusting of sugar and were packed with juicy Bramley apples making it a tough decision for judges Erewash MP Jessica Lee, Katie Evans from Nottingham Hospitals' Charity's Hayward House appeal and myself.
The recipe belonging to Arnold, who lives in Beechdale and receives support from Home Instead Senior Care, was baked by Gemma Poole from the home care organisation. Gemma said: "Arnold will be absolutely over the moon. He said we'll give them young 'uns a run for their money."
The competition was hosted by Cafe 100. The community cafe doubles as a training base for the hospitality and catering industry for disadvantaged teenagers, aged 16-18, who live in Tuntum Housing Association flats within the same property.
Two days a week they train in kitchen and front-of-house skills. Tuition includes an abattoir visit and a bread workshop led by John Freeman, head chef at Sat Bains' two star Michelin restaurant in Nottingham.
Special projects officer Gul Khosa said even if they didn't continue a career in the catering industry, the qualification and experience gave them the confidence to pursue other avenues.
James Hessey, 18, who would like a job in the motor vehicle trade, said: "I knew how to cook a bit before but I have learnt more from it – it's been good. I can make lasagne, cakes, breakfasts and soup."
The cafe, situated at the corner of Derby Road and Wellington Street, serves breakfasts, from a full English to porridge, and lunches including steak and Guinness pie and sausages with onion gravy.
Gul said: "We really want people to come in and support the young people. The prices are good and the food is good."
Cafe 100 is open to the public Tuesday to Friday from 8.30am to 3pm.
Arnold Brown's apple pie recipe
Ingredients:
500g soft flour
125g lard (or white cooking fat)
125g butter (at room temperature)
One egg
Sufficient water to make pastry dough
750g Bramley apples, diced to half inch
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Ensure the butter is at room temperature.
2. Blend the butter, lard and flour until fine crumbs.
3. Add egg followed by sufficient water to blend into the pastry dough. Arnold said: "Gently does it. The secret of good pastry is not to overwork it."
4. Choose a dish in which the apple nearly fills it and add sugar to taste.
5. Roll out pastry and fit to dish.
6. Decorate and/or wash with egg for a shiny finish.
7. Bake for 30 minutes. "It's only acceptable with lashing of custard," concluded Arnold.
