Spring Recipe: Pastry Wrapped Baked Apples

It's a few days away from May and most people would think its that time where the warm weather hits. The problem is that most people forget we live in the greats state of Michigan. The state where its 80 degrees one day and freezing the next. I don't think we are quite ready for hot dogs on the grill or even that evening drive to dairy queen.

One of my favorite things to make is desserts, sweet things in general to be less specific. The only problem with them is the social norm affiliated with only being able to eat sweets during a dessert hour. This is why I came to develop one of my personal favorite recipes, something that can be eaten for a snack and enjoyed anytime. This recipe is not only lean but is a blast to make, get your little ones together and make it a fun project for everyone. Enjoy!

Pastry Wrapped Baked Apples

Yield: 6

Components: 
1/2 c crushed pecans
2 T raw honey
9 4x4 puff pastry squares
6 apples peeled and cored
1/2 t ground cinnamon
1/4 c sugar

 1 egg for egg wash

Procedure:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
In a small bowl mix together pecans and honey- set aside
In a small bowl mix cinnamon and sugar- set aside
Stuff peeled and cored apples with pecan and honey mix
Coat the apples in cinnamon mix by rolling in bowl

Roll pastry squares to make slightly larger and cut into 4 equal strips
Join strips together with water by pinching
Use small cutter to cut out round bottom piece for apple

Wrap apple with long pastry strip wrapping from the bottom up until you reach the top and slightly overlap each edge with the next
Cut out leaf and score leaf design with knife
Place leaf on top and slightly press over edges to seal
Gently press the dough around the apple to make sure it will hold together
Repeat process with remaining apples

Finish by painting dough with egg wash and then bake till golden brown
Chill or eat hot
Served well with vanilla ice cream