French Apple Turnovers

Called chaussons aux pommes (“apple slippers”) in French, these classic pastries—made here with frozen puff pastry—are a terrific weeknight treat. For added flavor, mix 2 Tbs. of chopped raisins with the apples or add a splash of brandy with the cinnamon and sugar. Serve with vanilla ice cream.

Serves 4

1 Tbs. unsalted butter

1 large sweet apple, such as Gala or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

1 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. granulated sugar

¼ tsp. ground cinnamon

Kosher salt

1 large egg

1 sheet frozen puff pastry (from a 17.3-oz. box), thawed overnight in the refrigerator and cut into four equal rectangles

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 425° F.

Melt the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the apple slices and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 4 minutes. Sprinkle 1 Tbs. of the sugar, the cinnamon, and ¼ tsp. salt over the apples; cook, stirring often, for 1 minute more. Remove from the heat.

In a small bowl, beat the egg with 2 Tbs. of water. Lightly brush the edges of each pastry rectangle with some of the egg wash. Spread the cooked apples and any juice over half of the long side of each rectangle, but not over the egg wash border. Fold the pastry half without apples over the side with apples, long side to long side. Press to seal the edges tightly and transfer to a large rimmed baking sheet.

Brush the tops with some of the remaining egg wash and sprinkle each with ¼ tsp. of the remaining sugar.

Bake until puffed and golden, about 16 minutes. Serve warm.

 

It is a quote. Fine Cooking Magazine February / March 2011