Chaussons aux Pommes with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and diced (300g) 2 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and diced (300g)
• 2 tablespoons (30g) granulated sugar 2 tablespoons (30g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed if frozen (250g) 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed if frozen (250g)
• 1 egg, beaten, for egg wash 1 egg, beaten, for egg wash
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories: 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 32g (Sugar: 12g)
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the apples are evenly coated.
3. 3.
   Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut it into squares or circles, approximately 12cm (4.5 inches) in diameter.
4. 4.
   Place a spoonful of the apple filling onto one half of each pastry square or circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. 5.
   Fold the pastry over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
6. 6.
   Transfer the filled pastries to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash for a golden finish.
7. 7.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the Chaussons aux Pommes are puffed and golden brown.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Puff pastry — Ensure that the puff pastry is thawed properly before using it. If it becomes too soft, refrigerate it for a few minutes to firm it up. Handle the pastry gently to maintain its flakiness.
• Apples — Choose firm and slightly tart apples such as Granny Smith or Braeburn for the best flavor and texture in the filling. Dice the apples into small, even pieces to ensure even cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of indulgence, serve the Chaussons aux Pommes with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• If you prefer a more caramelized flavor, sprinkle a little brown sugar on top of the pastries before baking.
• Experiment with different spices such as cardamom or ginger to add a unique twist to the apple filling.
• If you're short on time, you can use store-bought puff pastry instead of making it from scratch.
• To reheat leftover Chaussons aux Pommes, place them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes until warmed through.

Serving advice

Serve the Chaussons aux Pommes warm as a delightful breakfast pastry or a sweet afternoon snack. They pair perfectly with a cup of hot coffee or tea.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Chaussons aux Pommes on a platter and dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can also drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and a little milk over the pastries for a glossy finish.