One for the Table: A delicious reason to love apple season
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon brandy
1/2 pound store-bought puff pastry
Preheat oven to 400 F.
Peel, core and quarter apples. Toss with lemon juice.
Melt butter in an 11- or 12-inch oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Add sugar and cinnamon, stirring until melted and bubbling. Remove from heat and add brandy. Arrange apple quarters cut side up.
On a well-floured work surface, roll out puff pastry to 1/4-inch thick. Cut a disc a bit larger than skillet. Slash a few vent holes in the dough. Place dough over apples, tucking in edges. Bake tart until apples are tender and puff pastry is golden, about 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool 5 to 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a plate.
Recipe note: Firm eating apples work better in this recipe than do cooking apples, which become mushy.
(Joseph Erdos is a New York-based writer and editor who shares his passion for food on his blog, Gastronomer’s Guide. One for the Table is Amy Ephron's online magazine that specializes in food, politics and love. www.oneforthetable.com.)
