There’s just something about apple turnovers that makes you just want to huddle by a fire and read a good book. It’s one of those universal comfort foods that both brings us back to childhood and makes us feel a slight sophistication by eating such a dainty pastry. I decided to add an Asian addition to this traditionally Western desert by adding…yes, you guessed it, Chinese Five Spice!
Now, before you go closing the web page, hear me out! Yes, it’s true, Chinese five spice is generally used in savory dishes, but the complex mixture of anise, cinnamon, fennel seeds, Sichuan peppers, cloves, can be a flavorful addition to any dish, savory or sweet! The Chinese five spice mixed with the apples makes for an extremely deep and complex flavor that will surprise your taste buds, in a good way!
Ingredients for Apple Preserves
2 tbsp 2 tsp water or apple juice
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 ½ tsp cornstarch
6 fuji apples, diced
2 tbsp butter
3 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp brown sugar
pinch salt
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp cinnamon
⅔ tsp Chinese Five Spice
1 sheet puff pastry, pepperidge farm brand
Mix the water (or apple juice), lemon juice, and cornstarch together in a small bowl until cornstarch is fully incorporated (no clumps). Add this mixture to the rest of the ingredients and mix all together. Heat a skillet on medium heat, and cook the apples for about 20-25 minutes or until the apples are as soft as you’d like them.
Allow the apple preserves to cool to room temperature.
Cut the puff pastry into 9 3 inch squares. Place a tablespoon of apple preserve onto each puff pastry square and fold over forming a triangle. Use a fork to crimp the edges so that the pastry stays closed. Cut 2 or 3 slits over the top of of each pastry. Assemble the turnovers evenly on a sheet pan and bake for 12-15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Let them cool and enjoy!
Yeilds: 9 turnovers
Justine@cookingandbeer
March 8, 2013 at 9:35 pm
These look absolutely irresistible. Thanks for sharing!