Simple Apple Tart

If you are looking for a simple, yet sophisticated apple dessert, then this is it!  Perfect for your holiday table and a great alternative to apple pie for thanksgiving.  This is so simple to throw together, especially for those with little experience baking.  You'll have all your friends and family impressed and asking for more!  You can customize the recipe to make the apple filling as sweet or tart as you want, and add as much cinnamon to your liking as well.  Some people love a lot of cinnamon, others prefer just a touch.  I serve this warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and it is awesome...My family compared this to a fancy dessert they once had at a high-end restaurant.  I hope you enjoy!

If you've never used frozen puff pastry dough, then you are missing out.  It is so easy to use, inexpensive, and it makes very fancy desserts and appetizers.  Perfect for those holiday gatherings.  Plus, there are a ton of ideas on the internet on how to use it.  Even the professionals on the Food Network use it in some of their recipes.  Definitely give it a try, if not in this recipe, in another.

Happy Cooking!
Sarah

Simple Apple Tart
original recipe from Sarah
1 sheet of frozen puff pastry dough, defrosted (I use pepperidge farms and there is usually 2 sheets per package)
flour, for rolling out the dough
3-5 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (depends on how big your apples are, but you'll want a total of almost 4 cups)
2-4 T of granulated sugar (to taste)
1-2 tsp of cinnamon (also to taste)
a pinch of salt
parchment paper
egg wash, to brush the puff pastry with (optional)
vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream, for serving (optional) 


Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.  Prepare your apples and place them in a medium to large sized bowl.

Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.  Stir until well distributed amongst the apple slices. 

Roll out your pastry dough onto a well floured surface (flour your hands and rolling pin too).  You want to make it smooth and keep the square shape, not really extending the size much. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and transfer your pastry dough carefully. 

Fill the center with your apples and gently fold the edges of the pastry dough over your apples, leaving a large part of the middle exposed. 

At this point, you can brush the exposed edges of puff pastry with an egg wash to make it shiny and golden brown, but I skipped this step.  Its totally up to you how fancy you want to get. 

Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes (depending on your oven) until the edges are golden brown and the apples are tender.   Allow it to rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.  Enjoy!