Apple & mascarpone tarts ~

Apples come into season just as the weather gets cooler, so what better way to enjoy them than in this baked dessert.

Preparation Time

45 minutes

Cooking Time

15 minutes

Makes

4

Ingredients

• Melted butter, to grease
• 125ml (1/2 cup) maple syrup
• 80g butter
• 4 small (about 530g) green apples, cored, each cut into 12 wedges
• 125g mascarpone
• 150ml double cream
• Ground nutmeg, to serve

• Pastry

• 150g (1 cup) plain flour
• 100g chilled butter, chopped
• 2 tsp icing sugar
• 3 tsp water

Method

1. To make the pastry, process the flour, butter and icing sugar in a food processor until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the water and process until the dough just comes together. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth.
2. Preheat oven to 180ºC. Brush four 11cm (base measurement) fluted tart tins, with removable bases, with melted butter. Divide the pastry into 4 portions. Use a lightly floured rolling pin to roll out 1 portion on a lightly floured surface. Line 1 tin with pastry. Trim excess. Repeat with remaining portions. Place on a baking tray. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Meanwhile, place the maple syrup and butter in a large frying pan. Bring to the boil, stirring, over medium heat. Add the apple, in a single layer, and cook for 5 minutes each side or until tender. Set aside to cool completely.
4. Gently combine mascarpone and cream in a bowl. Divide the mascarpone mixture among tarts and spoon over apple and syrup. Sprinkle with the nutmeg.