When you think about love or romance, which city or country is the first place you think of? For many people that destination is Paris, France. Paris is a destination hotspot for anniversaries, honeymoons, or romantic getaways and was even given the nickname: The City of Love (as well as the city of lights). But for what reason? The main reason being the Eiffel Tower. This monumental structure has been portrayed as the epitome of romance in numerous blockbuster films, which then transcends from the movies into our own perspectives. An intimate atmosphere can be perceived when standing at the top of the tower, as the scenic outlook is a spectacle that is well worth your time. However, it isn’t just the top of the structure that elicits a romantic atmosphere. The base of the tower also creates a similar effect, but in a different way. Rustic cobblestone streets have gained immense appeal to tourists, and elicit feelings of intimacy, especially at night when these streets are illuminated by the street lights and the tower itself.
You may ask yourself, “Is the tower, really the only reason Paris got its nickname?” Well the answer is no. There are many contributing factors rooted deep within the France’s culture and way of life. The language itself has been deemed the language of love as the accent and the flow of words are simply appealing and sensual. On top of that, the people themselves are quite flirtatious and passionate, which is an aspect that is simply alluring and seductive. Along with the people, France is historically known for various poets, authors, and artists which can be tracked back to the 19th century, and perhaps even further. The works of these individuals, typically revolve around romance in diverse and abstract ways. The combination of history, structures, and culture is what makes Paris, France such a romantic destination.
If the way to your heart is through your stomach, then I’m positive you will love France alone for all the culinary delights that were developed in this country. Many rich and savory meals as well as sweet and tart pastries were developed here and became international sensations. To name a few: croissants, crepes, French onion soup, baguettes, and quiches may be dishes that you recognize off the top of your head. Not to mention some of their world-renowned wine. Now the dish I want to talk about today is a pastry that has romance written all over it. You know the typical gift for a date or romantic dinner is the combination of a dinner in accompaniment with some flowers. Well how about taking out two birds with one stone? I present to you, Apple Cinnamon Roses!
Time to Make: 1hr
Yields: ~12 roses
Utensils:
1. Muffin Tray
2. Rolling cutter (pizza cutter)
3. Knife
4. Small spoon
5. Apple Core Remover (optional)
6. Rolling pin
7. Microwavable Bowl
8. Strainer
Ingredients:
1. 4 Large apples
2. 2 tablespoons sugar
3. Water
4. A few tablespoons of all-purpose flour (For counter)
5. 2 sheets of Puff Pastry
6. 4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
7. ~12 tsp of honey OR maple syrup OR Apricot Jam
8. Caramel (Optional garnish)
9. Small Petals (optional garnish and not edible)
10. Cool whip or some creamy paste (Optional garnish)
Directions:
1. Thaw pastry puff at room temperature for about 30 minutes then put into the refrigerator until ready to use. Grease a muffin tray or spray with non-stick spray and set aside.
2. Remove the apple cores and then cut in half. (Or cut in half and remove core with knife). Slice the apple halves into very thin slices. (Keep the peel as it will provide your dish with more vibrant colours).
3. Place the thinly sliced apple pieces into a microwavable bowl (it is okay if some break), add 2 tbsp of sugar and fill with water until the apple slices are just covered.
4. Cover the bowl to retain steam and microwave the apples for about 2 minutes. Apples should be almost transparent and soft.
5. Gently transfer the apples to a strainer and drain all the water. Allow it to sit for about 10 min before using it.
6. Preheat oven to 375 F
7. During this time, prepare the puff pastries. Remove from the fridge and place onto a lightly floured work surface.
8. Using a rolling pin, roll each sheet into a rectangular shape, about 12 x 9-inch (30 x 22 cm). Cut each sheet in 6 strips, each about 2 x 9-inch (5 x 22 cm).
9. Using a teaspoon or a squeeze bottle, add about 1 tsp of honey/maple syrup/jam to each strip and smear it along the whole strip. Sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon over all the pastry strips.
10. Arrange the apple slices onto the puffs so that 1) The apple slices are sitting on the top half of each pastry strip 2) the apple slices overlap on another by about half the slice and 3) the peel side of the apple is sticking outside the pastry. Repeat with the other 11 strips.
11. Fold the bottom part of each strip so that it meets the top half. Now start at one end and roll each puff. If the apples are soft enough then they will roll with the pastry and form a rose pattern. Repeat for the other 11.
12. Place your rose into your greased muffin tray and bake for about 35-45 minutes. Times will vary depending on how dry your apples are and how thin you cut them so keep an eye on it every so often. Once the apples are a nice golden brown and crispy, they are ready!
13. Remove and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes then serve! OR even decorate your plate how you like!
I hope you enjoyed this week’s recipe! This can be a tedious dessert but very doable and will 110% impress your friends! Let me know what you think and what you want to see in the comments below! If you liked this recipe, like and subscribe! Or if you tried, let me know how it turned out! Thank you for all the support!
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