Apple Craisin Turnover and a Margarita

Have you ever read a book just because it was associated with cooking in some form, even though the plot was horrible?

I don't advise it. It can tend to be mentally painful.

My neighbor gave me a book to read. She thought I'd enjoy it because after each chapter there's a recipe. Sounds like fun. I've read books like that before that were enjoyable.

I'm really having a hard time getting through 'Apple Turnover Murder'. But I'm enjoying some of the recipes. (looking forward to trying watermelon cookies in the near future....just because it sounds so .... odd).

At least the book has some fun, interesting and rather tasty recipes. These apple turnovers were simple, easy and very good!

And just because I like you so much, I'm going to share the recipe with you so you are not forced to suffer through the book just so you can enjoy a good turnover.

Apple Craisin Turnover
Printable Version

1 - 17.5 oz package of frozen puff pastry sheets
4 1/2 cups apples (about 4, I used Gala and Fuji),  peeled, cored and chopped
1/2 cup craisins (dried cranberries)
1 TB lemon juice
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp cardamon (if you don't have cardamon, don't stress...you can leave it out.)
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg
1 TB water
Sugar

Preheat your oven to 400' F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Thaw the puff pastry sheets according to the instructions on the box.

Meanwhile, prepare your apples. In a mixing bowl, combine the apples, craisins and drizzle the lemon juice over them. Toss to thoroughly coat.

In a small bowl, combine the 1/3 cup sugar, flour, spices and salt. Add to the apple mixture and toss to coat.

When your pastry is ready, on a lightly floured surface, roll one of the pastry sheets into a 12" x 12" square (you can put the other sheet in the fridge for now). Cut vertically and horizontally to create 4 equal squares (6"x6")

Now to prep the assembly line. In a small bowl or cup, beat the egg and water to make your egg wash. Have a slotted spoon, fork and sharp knife handy as well as a small bowl of sugar for sprinkling.

With a pastry brush, dampen the edges of a square with the egg wash.
With a slotted spoon, scoop about 1/4 cup of filling onto the center of the square.
Pull one corner over the filling to the opposite corner to create a triangle.
Press the edges together to seal. Using the fork, press along the edges to make it pretty (and to make a better seal).
Make 2 slits in the top with your knife to ventilate
Transfer to your prepared cookie sheet and repeat with the remaining 3 squares.

When all four squares are ready and on the cookie sheet, brush the tops with some egg wash. Sprinkle with some sugar.

(every time I see this photo, stingray comes to mind)

Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

While those are baking, prepare the second pastry sheet into 4 more apple turnovers.

Allow the turnovers to cool for 5 minutes and enjoy while warm

And there you have your own little miniature personal take along pie. I think I'd like to make a blueberry-lemon version. Or cream cheese and strawberry. What kind would you try?

Speaking of strawberry. Let's get a little more adult here. Have you tried strawberry and pink lemonade together?

As a margarita?

I'm one of the co-contributors for Cocktail Puppy. If you'd like to try this wonderfully refreshing margarita (my latest adult beverage contribution) then head on over for the Strawberry Pink Lemonade Margarita recipe. If margs aren't your thing, I'm sure you'll find something there that is.

Unless of course all you want is plain beer.

This is my entry into Hearth and Soul this week....make it from your hearth and feed your soul