Individual Apple Pie Stuffed Pastry Shells

This week is another tasty, sweet recipe. For Thanksgiving, I made the traditional Pumpkin Pie since it is in fact traditional and my boyfriend loves it; however, I wanted to try something new as well. Another American classic is Apple Pie. I did not, however, want to go through the hassle of making the whole pie, so I sat and thought about how I personally like bite sized desserts or individual servings. I came up with using puff pastry shells instead of the pie itself. The apple pie filling would be the same recipe just in small, individual shells! The shells are topped with a glaze that add the right amount of sweetness because I consider apple pie more of a savory than complete sweet pie. You can serve this warm, which of course would be best, but it will taste just as good at room temperature. You can use real apples, but again I chose to save time and bought the canned, peeled, ready to use apples. Some skipped steps just make life in the kitchen that much easier, especially during the holidays where there are a whirlwind of things going on. I hope you'll enjoy this recipe and find it on your holiday table this year!

Recipe:
1 box puff pastry shells (6 count), thawed
1 3/4 cups peeled, chopped apples (or canned)
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon flour
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon butter



1. Prepare the puff pastry shells as indicated on package. 

2. Cook the apples and water in a small sauce pan on high heat until it comes to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce to a simmer for about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg; simmer for another 5 minutes. Stir frequently.

4. In a small bowl, combine flour and sugar. Stir into apple mixture. Bring to boil and boil for 1 minute. Stir in the butter.

5. After the puff pastries have cooled to touch, fill the shells with the cooked apple filling. Serve warm as is or at room temperature. The glaze is optional; recipe as follows.

Glaze Recipe:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1/4 vanilla extract

1. Combine all three ingredients in a small bowl and stir until combined.

2. Take a spoon a drizzle over the pastries. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!