Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar, plus
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon allspice
• 1/8 teaspoon clove
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 10 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
• 2 tart apples, peeled and cut into ¼ inch slices
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Preheat oven 350 degrees F.

2. Combine flour, brown sugar, 1/3 cup of the granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, 1 ¾ tsps of the ginger, remaining spices and salt and pepper in a bowl.

3. Add 2 of the eggs, molasses and 6 tblsps of the butter and blend until just combined.

4. Scrape dough into buttered 9 or 10 inch springform pan and, with lightly-floured hands, pat it evenly onto the bottom and 2 inches up sides of pan.

5. Arrange the apple slices, cored side down, in concentric circles over the gingerbread.

6. Sprinkle them with remaining ¼ tsp ginger and bake for 30 minutes, or until apples are browned lightly.

7. Whisk together remaining 2 eggs, ¼ cup sugar, 4 tblsps butter, rind and lemon juice and pour evenly over apples, being careful not to let any drip onto sides of pan.

8. Bake another 20-25 minutes, or until custard is just set.

9. Serve at room temperature.