Caramelized Apples in Phyllo Tarts

a97120_hqcb_carm_app_tarts.jpg
Servings:
4

Phyllo is neither the culinary bully nor nutrition nightmare that it is commonly thought to be. Quick hands and a good pastry brush or nonstick cooking spray are all you need to make delicious pastries. You can use muffin tins for the tart shells or make a single tart in a 6-inch cake pan.

Ingredients

  • 3 sheets of phyllo, thawed if frozen

  • 2 teaspoons plus 1 tablespoon sugar

  • 2 McIntosh or other firm apples, peeled and cut into ½-inch wedges

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • ¼ cup apple juice

  • 1 tablespoon butter, plus 2 teaspoons melted butter, for brushing phyllo

  • 1 tablespoon Cognac or apple juice

  • Pinch of ground ginger

  • Pinch of cinnamon

  • Finely chopped crystallized ginger

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. On a work surface,stack the phyllo sheets and cut out four 7-inch squares (12 total), discarding the scraps. Stack the squares between 2 sheets of wax paper and cover with a kitchen towel.

  2. Spray the countertop and 4 individual ring molds with nonstick cooking spray. Lay a square of phyllo on the counter and sprinkle with some of the 2 teaspoons of sugar; lay a second square on top, brush with the melted butter, and sprinkle with sugar. Cover with a third layer and sprinkle with sugar.

  3. Work the phyllo into the ring mold as you would a handkerchief into a pocket, letting the edges overhang. Repeat with the remaining phyllo. Place the molds on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Carefully transfer the phyllo shells to a rack.

  4. Combine the apples, lemon juice, and apple juice and set aside. In a nonstick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon sugar and caramelize for 3 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the heat, add the Cognac, and stir with a wooden spoon. Return the pan to the heat, add the spices and apple mixture, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender, about 5 minutes.

  5. Divide the apples among the shells and sprinkle with crystallized ginger.

Related Articles