Stewed Apples and Custard

Instructions

1. Pare and core the apples, but do not divide them, and, if possible, leave on the stalks.
2. Boil the sugar and 1 pint of water for ten minutes, then put the apples into the syrup with the rind of half a lemon and 4 cloves, and simmer gently till tender. Do not let them break.
3. Then reduce the syrup by boiling quickly, let it cool a little, and pour it over the apples.
4. Have ready half a pint of thick custard and pour it round the apples.
5. Lastly, stick into the apples one dozen almonds, blanched and cut into strips.
6. It takes twenty to thirty minutes to stew. This quantity will fill a large glass dish.