Roses made of Apples and Puff Pastry

These delightful apple roses are as beautiful as they are delicious. With the delicate sweetness of apples and the flaky texture of puff pastry, they make for an elegant dessert or a special treat for any occasion. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy afternoon tea, these apple roses are a cherished favorite in Granny J's kitchen.

Ingredients:

- **2 packages of ready-rolled puff pastry**

- **3 apples**

- **8 tablespoons of apple or apricot jam**

- **1 lemon**

- **100 g of powdered sugar**

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apples:

- Choose red apples for a more vibrant rose appearance, though green apples work as well.

- Cut each apple in half, remove the core, and slice into very thin pieces (about 2 mm thick).

- Place apple slices in a bowl, cover them with water, and squeeze the lemon over the top. Heat the mixture in a pot on the stove or microwave for 3 minutes until the apples are pliable.

- If the apple slices are thin enough (1 mm thick) and already pliable, you may skip the heating step.

2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:

- Unroll the puff pastry and cut it into 6 equal strips.

- Spread a little jam over each strip.

- Arrange the apple slices along the entire length of the strip like tiles, slightly overlapping each other, with the rounded, skin-side edge sticking out of the pastry.

- Fold the bottom half of the pastry strip over the apple slices and press gently.

3. Form the Roses:

- Carefully roll up the apple-covered pastry strip to form a rose shape.

- Repeat the process with the remaining pastry and apple slices.

4. Bake:

- Preheat your oven to 190°C (374°F).

- Place the formed roses in a muffin tin that has been thoroughly greased and floured. (Note: This step is crucial as the fruit releases juices during baking, which can cause sticking. Alternatively, use paper muffin cups.)

- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes.

5. Serve:

- Once baked, remove the roses from the oven and let them cool slightly.

- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Enjoy the delightful elegance of these apple roses, and let them bring a touch of charm and sweetness to your day. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in a moment of serenity. Happy baking from Granny J!