Are you craving a delicious and satisfying treat that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! These homemade turnovers with puff pastry are the perfect answer. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed to be easy to follow, yielding flaky, golden-brown turnovers bursting with flavor. They're perfect for a quick weeknight dessert, a delightful brunch addition, or even a sophisticated appetizer. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
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For the Filling:
- 1 cup apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, enhances the apple flavor)
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For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet (14.1 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar (for sprinkling, optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a medium bowl, gently combine the diced apples, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, melted butter, and lemon juice (if using). Mix well to coat the apples evenly.
Step 2: Assemble the Turnovers:
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry slightly to ensure even thickness. Cut the pastry into 6 equal squares. You can use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife for this.
Step 3: Fill and Seal:
Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each pastry square. Don't overfill; otherwise, the filling might leak during baking. Fold the pastry over to form a triangle, pressing the edges firmly to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the assembled turnovers on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar (optional). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the turnovers are golden brown and puffed up.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy:
Let the turnovers cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra delicious treat!
Tips and Variations:
- For a quicker thaw: You can thaw the puff pastry overnight in the refrigerator.
- Customize your filling: Feel free to experiment with different fillings like berries, cherry pie filling, or even a savory cheese and spinach mixture.
- Make it vegan: Use a vegan butter substitute and a flax egg for the egg wash.
- Add a touch of spice: Incorporate a pinch of cardamom or ginger into the apple filling for an extra layer of warmth.
Nutritional Information (per Turnover - Approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Fat: 12-15g Carbohydrates: 30-35g Protein: 3-4g
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
These homemade puff pastry turnovers are a simple yet impressive addition to any meal. The flaky pastry combined with the warm, sweet apple filling creates a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Enjoy creating these delicious and easy treats!