Directions

1. 1. Preheat the oven to 190°C/375°F/ gas mark 5.
2. 2. Peel and core the apples, then slice and put in a 1.2 litre/2 pint /5 cup ovenproof serving dish.
3. 3. Sprinkle with 25 g/1 ounce/2 tablespoon of the sugar and add the water. Sprinkle with the cloves, if using.
4. 4. Put the flour in a bowl. Add the butter or margarine and, lifting a little flour with the fat, rub it between your thumbs and fingertips, letting it fall back into the bowl. Repeat until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs and all the fat is rubbed in.
5. 5. Stir in the remaining sugar. Spoon over the apples and press down lightly.
6. 6. Bake in the oven for about 45 minutes or until golden and the apple is cooked through.