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Tired of store-bought pastries that lack flavor and texture?

Get ready to elevate your baking game with this simple yet irresistible recipe for homemade apple turnovers. With just a few simple ingredients and a little know-how, you can create flaky, golden-brown pastries filled with warm, spiced apples that will have your taste buds dancing.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making delicious apple turnovers from scratch. From selecting the perfect apples to achieving that flaky, golden-brown crust, we’ve got you covered.

So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking!

Choosing the Perfect Apples

The first step to making incredible apple turnovers is selecting the right apples. A good combination of tart and sweet apples will create a balanced flavor profile. Granny Smith apples are a popular choice for their tartness, while Honeycrisp apples offer a sweet and juicy flavor.

When choosing apples, look for firm, blemish-free fruits. Avoid apples that are overly soft or bruised, as they may not hold their shape during baking.

Preparing the Filling

Once you’ve selected your apples, it’s time to prepare the filling. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Peel and Core: Peel and core about 3-4 large apples.
2. Sauté the Apples: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the apple cubes, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the apples are softened and the juices have thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
3. Thicken the Filling: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water. Pour the slurry into the skillet with the apples and stir until the filling thickens. Remove from heat.

Selecting the Right Pastry

Now that your filling is ready, it’s time to choose the right pastry. You can opt for store-bought puff pastry for convenience, or you can make your own. Homemade puff pastry can be time-consuming, but it offers a more authentic and flavorful experience.

If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, thaw it according to the package instructions. If you’re making your own, be sure to follow a reliable recipe and practice patience.

Assembling the Turnovers

Once your pastry is ready, it’s time to assemble the turnovers. Here’s how:

1. Roll Out the Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
2. Cut the Pastry: Cut the pastry into squares.
3. Fill the Pastry: Place a spoonful of apple filling in the center of each pastry square.
4. Fold and Seal: Fold the pastry over the filling, sealing the edges with a fork or your fingers.
5. Brush with Egg Wash: Beat 1 egg and brush the tops of the turnovers with the egg wash to create a golden-brown crust.

Baking to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the turnovers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your homemade apple turnovers warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. They’re also delicious served with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Key Takeaways

• Choose the right apples: A combination of tart and sweet apples will create the perfect flavor balance.
• Thicken the filling: Cornstarch is a great way to thicken the apple filling.
• Use high-quality pastry: Whether you make your own or use store-bought, choose a good quality pastry for the best results.
• Don’t overfill the turnovers: Overfilling can lead to messy turnovers and a soggy crust.
• Bake at the right temperature: Baking at the correct temperature is essential for achieving a flaky crust.

Actionable Step-by-Step Checklist

Category 1: Ingredient Preparation

• Gather all necessary ingredients: 3-4 large apples, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, a pinch of salt, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 2 tablespoons cold water, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 egg, store-bought puff pastry or homemade puff pastry.
• Peel, core, and chop the apples.

Category 2: Making the Filling

• Melt butter in a skillet.
• Add apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
• Sauté until softened.
• Thicken the filling with cornstarch slurry.

Category 3: Assembling and Baking

• Roll out the puff pastry.
• Cut the pastry into squares.
• Place a spoonful of filling on each square.
• Fold and seal the pastries.
• Brush with egg wash.
• Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown.