Description
"The greatest dishes are very simple." – Auguste Escoffier, legendary French chef. This saying is perfect for our beloved puff pastry recipe – rose-shaped apples. These desserts are not just delicious but also add elegance to your table. They show that no-bake desserts can be both tasty and visually appealing.
Ingredients
- Puff Pastry: 1 sheet (preferably whole wheat or a healthier version if available)
- Apples: 2 medium-sized (red apples like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work well for color)
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (prevents apple browning)
- Honey: 2 tablespoons (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (for flavor)
- Water: 2 cups (for parboiling the apples)
- Powdered Sugar: Optional, for a light dusting
Instructions
p-by-Step Instructions:
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Prepare the Apples:
- Core the apples using an apple corer.
- Slice the apples in half, then slice them very thinly (about 1/8 inch) with a sharp knife or mandoline. Leave the peel on for color.
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Soften the Apples:
- Fill a medium-sized bowl with the 2 cups of water and add the lemon juice.
- Submerge the apple slices in the lemon water to prevent them from browning.
- Microwave the apples in the lemon water for about 3 minutes, or until they are soft and pliable. Alternatively, simmer the apples in a pot on the stove for a few minutes.
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Sweeten and Flavor:
- Drain the water from the apples.
- In a small bowl, mix the honey (or maple syrup) with the ground cinnamon.
- Gently toss the apple slices in the honey-cinnamon mixture to coat them evenly.
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Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Thaw the puff pastry sheet according to package instructions.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to make it slightly thinner.
- Cut the pastry into 6 even strips, about 2 inches wide.
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Assemble the Apple Roses:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lay one strip of puff pastry on a clean work surface.
- Arrange the apple slices along the top half of the strip, overlapping each slice slightly, with the rounded skin edges sticking out above the pastry.
- Fold the bottom half of the pastry strip over the bottom of the apple slices to hold them in place.
- Starting from one end of the strip, carefully roll it up to form a rose shape. Ensure the apple slices stay in place and continue to peek out of the top.
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Bake:
- Place each rolled rose in a muffin tin to help hold its shape during baking.
- Repeat the process with the remaining pastry strips and apple slices.
- Bake the apple roses in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and fully cooked.
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Serve:
- Allow the apple roses to cool slightly.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 - 40 minutes