Roses with apples

Apple roses are a wonderful dessert, full of flavor and texture, perfect for adding a special touch to your child's lunchbox or impressing guests at a party. These roses made from puff pastry, filled with sweet and fragrant apples, create a delicious contrast between the crispy crust and the soft apple. Moreover, it is a simple, quick, and charming recipe that can quickly become your family's favorite.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 45-60 minutes
Number of servings: 12 apple roses

Ingredients:

- 400 grams of puff pastry (thawed)
- 4 red apples (preferably sweet and juicy apples)
- 4-5 tablespoons of jam (choose a flavor you love, such as apricot or peach)
- 6-8 tablespoons of sugar (you can adjust based on the sweetness of the apples)
- 1-2 tablespoons of "Apple Pie" spice from Kotanyi
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 50-75 ml of water

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Thawing the pastry: Start by thawing the puff pastry. It is recommended to leave it at room temperature for about an hour before using it. Puff pastry is easy to handle when it is soft but not too sticky.

2. Preparing the apples: Wash the apples well under a stream of cold water. Cut them in half, remove the core, and slice them very thinly. Thin slices will cook evenly and achieve a pleasant texture.

3. Cooking the apples: In a saucepan, place the apple slices and sprinkle the sugar over them. Add the lemon juice and enough water to cover the apples. Put the saucepan over medium heat. When the mixture starts to boil, turn off the heat and set it aside. This step will help the apples become soft and fragrant.

4. Removing the apples: Using a spatula, remove the apple slices and place them on a paper towel to drain excess liquid. This step is essential to avoid overly wet puff pastry that won't become crispy.

5. Preparing the pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a clean work surface. Cut it into strips about 10 cm wide. These strips will form the base for the apple roses. Brush each strip with a thin layer of jam, which will add extra flavor.

6. Arranging the apples: Sprinkle the "Apple Pie" spice from Kotanyi over the pastry strips. On each strip, arrange the overlapping apple slices, leaving a small space at the edges. Make sure the apples are evenly arranged to create a beautiful appearance.

7. Rolling the roses: Rolling the roses is an essential part of the process. Start from one end of the strip and carefully roll, ensuring that the apple slices remain tightly packed. This will help form the rose shape.

8. Baking: Place each rose in a muffin tin, which will help maintain their shape during baking. Preheat the oven to 200°C (medium heat) and bake the apple roses for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy.

9. Finishing: Once they are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look and sweet taste.

Helpful tips:

- Choosing the apples: For the best apple roses, choose sweet apples like Fuji or Gala, which caramelize beautifully and hold their shape.
- The jam: Experiment with different jam flavors to create unique combinations. Raspberry or orange jam can add an interesting twist.
- Spices: You can add cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple mixture for an even richer flavor.
- Serving: The apple roses can be served warm, alongside vanilla ice cream or a scoop of sweet cream, for an unforgettable dessert.

Possible variations:

- Apple roses with other fruits: You can replace the apples with pears or peaches to diversify the recipe.
- Adding nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts between the apple slices for a crunchy texture and rich flavor.
- Savory roses: Experiment with goat cheese or ricotta, adding fresh herbs for a savory version.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

These apple roses, if made with the mentioned ingredients, contain approximately 150-200 calories per serving, depending on the jam and sugar used. Apples are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making them not only delicious but also healthy. The puff pastry adds a touch of indulgence, balanced by the intake of fresh fruits.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use store-bought puff pastry? Yes, store-bought puff pastry is perfect for this recipe and will save you time.
- How can I store the apple roses? They store well in airtight containers for 2-3 days, but they are best consumed fresh out of the oven.
- Can I freeze the apple roses? It is recommended to freeze them before baking. Place them on a tray and let them freeze, then you can transfer them to freezer bags to bake later.

In conclusion, apple roses are more than just a simple dessert; they are a way to bring joy into everyday life. With each bite, you will enjoy the flavor of caramelized apples and the crispy texture of the pastry, and your loved ones will thank you for this treat. So put on your apron, grab your gloves, and let’s get cooking!