Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Autumnal Apple Tart

My attitude to apple tart is a bit 'rough n' ready.' I firmly believe that you should just go with your instincts on this. Here's a rough recipe for my favourite Autumnal twist on apple tart. I used nine apples that varied in size. If you make too much filling for your tart, the left over apple sauce is delicious in steaming porridge on a cold Autumn morning.

In Ireland and the UK we like to use a sharper variety of apple for baking with, commonly called 'cooking apples.' For this reason it's necessary to sweeten them - just make sure you taste your filling as you go along as some apples are more tart than others, and personal preference plays a big part in apple tart. :)


INGREDIENTS:
. 6 med-large cooking apples (approx)
. 50g sultanas (or raisins/dried cranberries)
. 1.5 tsps cinnamon
. 4tbsps honey (approx)
                                                          . 30g walnut pieces
                                                         . 20g sunflower seeds
                                                          . shortcrust pastry

1: Peel and chop your apples into a pan, discarding the cores and skins. Allow enough room for them to expand. 

2: Add in the sultanas  and cinnamon. Drizzle over enough honey to cover the tops of the peeled apples. 

3: Add 2 tbsps cold water and turn on to a gentle heat for 15- 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until most of the apples have broken down into the sauce. 

4: Test for sweetness (be careful not to burn your mouth!) and add more honey if it needs it.

5: Tip the sauce into a pie plate lined with shortcrust pastry. Sprinkle over the walnuts and sunflower seeds before covering with more pastry. Brush with a beaten egg, pierce the lid.

6: Brush with a beaten egg, pierce the lid and bake for 20-30minutes at 180°C/350°F/fan assist 170°C until the pastry is golden brown and firm.




3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm going to be very chubby after trying all these recipes you keep posting... but I'll be happy. And at this time of year, you need to put on a little extra to help survive the winter.

So really, you're helping save my life AND inspiring me to cook. I hope there's more to come!

Unknown said...

Have you seen the M&S commercial for the apple strudel with filo dough. Forget buying it, I just want to make it!

Unknown said...

Hummmmmmmmm!!!looks so yummy recipe,I think you need (cook)to put on a little extra to help survive the winter season..........
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