Old-fashioned Charlotte

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 160°C (325°F).
2. In a bowl, combine half the brown sugar, melted butter, lime zest and juice, vanilla bean seeds and cinnamon. Gently coat apple wedges.
3. Cut thin slices bevelled from the baguette. Spread with softened butter and sprinkle with remaining brown sugar.
4. Butter a small 15 cm (6") diameter springform pan and sprinkle with sugar (you can also use a soufflé mold). Just cover the bottom with a circle of parchment paper to facilitate unmolding).
5. Line bottom and sides of pan with bread slices, buttered side down. Fill with apple mixture, packing well. Cover with aluminum foil.
6. Remove from oven and let cool for at least 1 hour before unmolding. Optional, if desired, serve each portion with apple liqueur sauce.