Chaussons aux Pommes (Apple Turnovers)

We have already determined that my mom spoils me by cooking great meals when I visit. I like to repay the favour and try to spoil her when she visits. She does not make easy, always trying to come in the kitchen and help. She also has specific likes and dislikes. One thing she loves are apple desserts, such as apple pie, apple crumble and chaussons aux pommes (apple turnovers).
Funnily, she loves apple McDonald's apple turnovers so I thought I would make some for breakfast. I got the perfect compliment after my mom bit into one and stated that they taste just like McDonald's! Thanks Mom!



Apple turnovers are very easy to make once you've purchased puff pastry! You can buy puff pastry made with butter or hydrogenated oil. The latter is not good for you but makes for a good vegan version (or if your mom dislikes dairy). I love turnovers and my only complaint when buying them is that there is never enough filling. I learned why when I made them: it's hard to fit a lot of filling!

Chaussons aux Pommes (Apple Turnovers) - Makes 4 turnovers
Adapted from Laura Calder's Chaussons aux Pommes and allrecipes.com.
I reduced the amount of apples from the original recipe since I had leftover filling. However, eating the filling on its own is pretty good. My sister also ate her turnover with some added filling. Finally, it would be great on French toast or vanilla ice cream!

* lemon juice
* water
* 2 apples (I used Golden Delicious)
* 1 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
* ½ cup brown sugar
* ½ tsp cinnamon
* ½ tbsp cornstarch
* ½ (200g) package frozen puff pastry
* 1 egg yolk + a bit of water

Add lemon juice to a bowl of water.
As you peel and slice your apples into small pieces, add them to the water to prevent from browning.
Drain the apples.
Cook the apples in some vegetable oil (or butter if your mom enjoys dairy...!).
Add sugar and cinnamon, and mix them in until apple pieces are coated.
Stir together the cornstarch with 1/2 tablespoon of water.
Pour the cornstarch mixture in - this will help thicken the apple mixture.
Cook until sauce has thickened and apples are cooked.
Remove from heat to cool down.
Meanwhile, if you bought the puff pastry in a block like I did, use a rolling pin to roll it down.
Cut four squares out of the puff pastry.
Add a couple of tablespoons of the apple mixture.
Fold the pastry in half, either to make a rectangle or a triangle. (I made them into a rectangle so they'd look like McDonald's...).
Cut some slits to allow the steam to come out.
Mix the egg yolk with a bit of water, and brush the mixture over the turnovers.
Bake for 10 minutes at 425F, then another 10-15 minutes at 375F until puffed and lightly browned.
Tada!



Doesn't that apple mixture look awesome?


Turnovers before and after baking.

For another apple recipe:
Mini Apple Tarte Tatin