Apple and chocolate pastries

Apple and Chocolate Pies: a delicious combination that blends the sweetness of apples with the richness of chocolate, creating an irresistible dessert. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering or a get-together with friends, and its aroma will fill your home with warmth and joy. Get ready to fall in love with every bite of these pies!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 18

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 420 g flour
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional but recommended for a special flavor)
- 150 g cold butter, cubed
- 2 eggs, beaten

For the filling:
- 500 g apples, peeled and diced
- 1 packet (40 g) caramel pudding mix
- 2 tablespoons bourbon vanilla sugar (or regular vanilla sugar)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 80 g milk chocolate, broken into pieces

Step by step:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 190°C. This step is essential to ensure even baking of your pies.

2. Prepare the tray: Grease a muffin tray with a little butter or oil to prevent the dough from sticking.

3. Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix all the dry ingredients: flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and cardamom. The cardamom will add an exotic note, so don’t skip it if you like.

4. Add the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to combine the butter with the flour until you achieve a crumbly texture.

5. Incorporate the eggs: Add the beaten eggs and mix well until you have a smooth dough. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little extra flour.

6. Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This step will help firm up the butter and make the dough easier to work with.

7. Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine the diced apples with the caramel pudding mix, vanilla sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

8. Shape the pies: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface to about 0.5 cm thickness. Use a glass or round cutter to cut out 18 circles, about 8-9 cm in diameter.

9. Assemble the pies: Place each dough circle in the prepared tray. Divide the apple filling evenly among each pie, adding a piece of chocolate on top.

10. Decorate with a lattice: With the remaining dough, cut thin strips and create a lattice on top of each pie. This detail not only looks good but also helps keep the filling inside.

11. Bake the pies: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the pies for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden and browned. You’ll know they’re ready when the sweet aroma fills the entire kitchen.

12. Serve with love: Allow the pies to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the tray. They can be served warm, but they are just as delicious at room temperature. You can add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an even more special dessert.

Useful tips:

- Choosing apples: Opt for sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith or Fuji, which hold their shape during baking and provide a delicious contrast to the chocolate.

- Chocolate variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark or white chocolate, depending on your preferences.

- Storage: The pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven to restore their warmth and freshness.

- Recommended drinks: These pies pair wonderfully with a warm tea or a glass of milk. If you want to give them a sophisticated touch, try serving them with a sweet wine.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, you can substitute apples with pears, peaches, or even berries, adjusting the sugar according to their sweetness.

2. Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before using.

3. How can I make the pies lower in calories?
For a healthier version, you can replace the butter with coconut oil or apple butter, and the sugar with a natural sweetener.

Nutritional benefits:

Apples are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins, especially vitamin C, while chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, contains antioxidants that can have health benefits. This pie combines flavor with nutrition, offering a sweet experience without completely sacrificing health.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! Apple and chocolate pies are more than just a dessert; they are a cooking experience that will bring joy and warmth to your home. Happy cooking!