Great Chef Fernand Gutierrez

Warm Apple Tart
Fernand Gutierrez,
The Dining Room,
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago IL

Simple to make, and simply delicious: a swirl of apple slices tops a puff pastry circle. Granny Smith or similar tart apples are perfect for these tarts. If you prepare the apple slices ahead of time, toss them with a little water and lemon juice or with a little sugar to prevent their turning brown.

Servings: 12 Preparation time: 15 minutes

18 ounces frozen puff pastry, thawed
10 to 12 apples, peeled, cored, and very thinly sliced
3/4 cup confectioner´s sugar

1-1/2 cups heavy (whipping) cream, whipped to firm peaks
12 mint sprigs

Preheat the oven to 400 F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to form a very thin sheet. Cut twelve 6-inch circles and prick them with a fork. Place the circles on the parchment. Arrange apple slices on the circles in a spiral pattern. Bake 10 minutes, or until the pastry is browned around the edges. Take the pastry out of the oven and sprinkle with confectioner´s sugar. Bake an additional 1 minute.

To serve: Place a warm tart on each plate. Garnish each with a dollop of whipped cream and a mint sprig.