In honor of The Gilmore Girls finally coming out on Netflix streaming (and because it’s autumn – the perpetual season in Stars Hollow) – it only seemed right to make a sweet dessert.
I was inspired by the following exchange to make an apple tart.
Lorelai: “I can live without the apple tarts.”
Rory: “You’ve made up songs after eating five of them with lyrics that contradict that last statement. “
It’s a little less elaborate than something Chef Sookie St. James might make, but it goes mighty fine with a cup of coffee.
And that’s something that’s vitally important when you’re marathoning The Gilmore Girls.
Apple Tart with Caramel Sauce
Serves 4.
Ingredients:
3 gala apples
1 piece puff pastry, thawed
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
½ cup half and half or heavy cream
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon sea salt, crushed
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350F.
Peel and core apples. Thinly slice the apples and place in a large bowl of water with lemon juice. Roll the puff pastry out so that it’s approximately 12 inches in diameter. Lay the dough over a 8-inch tart pan. Tuck the dough into the bottom and sides, and roll a rolling pin over the top of the pan to cut the dough.
Lay the apples in the tart and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until browned.
While the tart is baking, start the caramel sauce.
In a medium saucepan over medium low heat, whisk together the brown sugar, half and half, butter and sea salt. Stir constantly until thickened, approximately 7-10 minutes.
Drizzle the caramel sauce over the warm apple tart and serve.
Sit back and watch your husband and best friend tear up in joy.
(Photo by Launie Kettler)