Baked Apples in a Blanket

Ingredients

• 4 medium tart apples, such as Granny Smith 4 medium tart apples, such as Granny Smith
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons raisins (optional) 2 tablespoons raisins (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (optional) 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (optional)
• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional) Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories: 280 kcal / 1170 kJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 5g)
• Carbohydrates: 40g (Sugar: 22g)
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Core the apples using an apple corer or a small knife, leaving the bottom intact.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, cinnamon, raisins (if using), and chopped nuts (if using).
4. 4.
   Stuff each apple with the sugar mixture, dividing it equally among the apples.
5. 5.
   Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut it into four equal squares.
6. 6.
   Place each apple in the center of a puff pastry square.
7. 7.
   Fold the corners of the pastry over the apple, sealing it tightly.
8. 8.
   Transfer the wrapped apples to a baking dish and brush them with melted butter.
9. 9.
   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
11. 11.
    Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
12. 12.
    Serve warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Puff pastry — Ensure that the puff pastry is properly thawed before using it. If it becomes too soft, refrigerate it for a few minutes to firm it up.
• Apples — Choose firm and tart apples like Granny Smith for the best results. They hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet filling.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle a little lemon juice over the apples before stuffing them.
• Serve the Baked Apples in a Blanket with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
• Experiment with different fillings by adding dried cranberries, chopped dates, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
• If you prefer a softer apple texture, bake the apples for a few extra minutes.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Baked Apples in a Blanket warm as a standalone dessert or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures. Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Baked Apples in a Blanket on individual dessert plates, allowing the golden-brown puff pastry to showcase the vibrant apple filling. Drizzle a caramel sauce or sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an attractive presentation.