Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Delight

Ingredients:

• • 700g puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
  • 3 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

• • 45g sugar (for the apples)
  • 10g cinnamon (ground)
  • 3g nutmeg (ground)

• • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • 2 teaspoons of sugar (for sprinkling on top)
  • 1 grapefruit (for zest and juice)

• • 2-3 pieces of dried apple (optional for extra texture)
  • 1 cup green tea (to pair with the tart)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting on top)

Steps to Make the Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Tart:

1. Preheat Your Oven:

Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures that the pastry will bake evenly and become wonderfully crisp and golden.

2. Prepare the Apples:

Peel and core the apples, then slice them thinly. Aim for about 1/4-inch slices to ensure they cook evenly in the pastry. Once sliced, toss them in a bowl with 45g of sugar, 10g of cinnamon, and 3g of nutmeg. Set aside for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If you’re using dried apple pieces, chop them finely and add them to the mixture.

3. Prepare the Puff Pastry:

Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut the pastry into a rectangular or round shape, depending on your preference and the size of your baking sheet. If using a rectangular baking sheet, a 10×12-inch size works perfectly. Transfer the pastry onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

4. Arrange the Apples:

Arrange the apple slices on top of the puff pastry, overlapping them slightly in a spiral pattern or neatly aligned rows. You can create a pattern that looks elegant or simply pile the apples on in a more casual way. Just make sure to leave a small border around the edge for the pastry to puff up.

5. Add the Grapefruit Touch:

Grate some grapefruit zest over the apples to infuse a hint of citrusy brightness. Then, squeeze a little grapefruit juice over the apples to enhance the flavors and add a refreshing zing.

6. Brush with Egg Wash:

Crack the egg into a small bowl and whisk it until smooth. Use a pastry brush to gently coat the exposed edges of the puff pastry with the egg wash. This will give the pastry a beautiful golden color as it bakes.

7. Sprinkle Sugar:

Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of sugar over the apples and pastry. This will create a subtle sweetness and a nice crisp finish on the pastry once baked.

8. Bake the Tart:

Place the prepared tart in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the puff pastry has risen and turned golden brown. The apples should become tender and slightly caramelized.

9. Finishing Touches:

Once the tart is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Dust the top with powdered sugar for a delicate finishing touch.

10. Serve:

Slice the tart into portions and serve warm, perhaps with a cup of freshly brewed green tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.